As Deebo Samuel’s time with the San Francisco 49ers appears to be coming to an end, speculation about his next destination continues to swirl.
The star wide receiver, who has spent six seasons with the NFC powerhouse, requested a trade, fueling conversations about potential landing spots. However, not every report regarding his departure has been accurate.
Samuel breaks silence on fake quote
One particular rumor caught Samuel’s attention, a fabricated quote claiming he said, “When you’re the best player in the locker room, that’s a problem,” to justify a move to a Super Bowl contender.
While Samuel has largely ignored the noise surrounding his future, he didn’t let this one slide, taking to social media to set the record straight.
“Like what’s wrong with yall folks,”Samuel wrote on X.
“Like I said folks make any story for clicks. Carryon!!! Not once said this!”
This isn’t the first time the wideout has refuted false claims.
Previously, he clapped back at Tim Kawakami, who alleged Samuel was out of shape and 20 pounds overweight, which impacted his explosiveness.
“People make up anything in they head!!!!” Samuel responded in a since-deleted post.
Despite the controversy, Samuel’s trade situation remains a major talking point.
The 49ers made moves last offseason to secure the future of their receiving corps, extending Brandon Aiyuk and drafting Ricky Pearsall in the first round, decisions that have made Samuel’s departure seem inevitable.
Where will Deebo Samuel land?
Interest in the 29-year-old receiver is already building, with ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler reporting that “several teams have expressed interest” in a potential trade.
However, the logistics of moving Samuel are complicated.
He’s set to make $17.5 million this season, including a $15.4 million option bonus due on March 22.
Additionally, trading him would leave the 49ers with a dead cap hit of over $31 million, limiting their leverage.
Some analysts believe San Francisco won’t receive much in return.
ESPN’s Jeff Darlington noted, “I don’t anticipate that the 49ers will get a lot for Samuel because he is also going to have to need to be extended… and it’s pretty clear that the 49ers will likely have to cut him if they don’t trade him.”
As trade discussions continue, Samuel will have the opportunity to gauge interest from potential suitors ahead of free agency.
Whether he’s traded or released, his next move will be one of the most closely watched storylines of the NFL offseason.
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