San Francisco 49ers star tight end George Kittle has weighed in on wide receiver Deebo Samuel’s trade request.
Kittle called him “irreplaceable” as the franchise faces a major roster decision.
Kittle says team must “build differently”
The 49ers recently granted Samuel permission to explore trade options, signaling a possible end to his six-year tenure with the team.
However, with financial constraints and salary cap concerns, reports suggest San Francisco might be better off cutting him instead of finding a trade partner.
During an interview with USA Today, Kittle shared his thoughts on the situation, making it clear he would be disappointed to see his longtime teammate go.
“I don’t think you can really replace him,”Kittle said.
“We’re just going to have to build our offense a little bit differently because we don’t have that available to us. But Deebo’s a hell of a football player. I’ve loved being his teammate, I’ve loved sharing the field with him, I’ve loved going to war with him. If that is what happens and he gets traded, I’ll be very sad.”
Samuel has been a key piece of the 49ers’ offense, known for his versatility as both a receiver and rusher.
Despite a down year statistically-posting 51 receptions for 670 yards and three touchdowns-his ability to impact a game in multiple ways makes him a valuable asset.
Kittle reinforced that belief, calling Samuel“one of the most unique players” in the league.
While Kittle acknowledged the challenges ahead, he expressed confidence in the rest of the 49ers’ offensive weapons, particularly the team’s other receivers and a healthy return from running back Christian McCaffrey.
49ers’ Deebo dilemma: Trade him or cut him?
The financial side of the decision remains a pressing issue for the 49ers.
Samuel is due to make $15.8 million in 2025, but trading him would result in a hefty $31.55 million dead cap hit, according to ESPN’s Dan Graziano.
If the 49ers wait until after his March 22 option bonus is due, that figure would balloon to nearly $47 million.
Given those constraints, Graziano argues that cutting Samuel post-June 1 would be the team’s best option, allowing them to save about $5 million this season while pushing most of the cap hit into 2026.
The dilemma has fueled debates among analysts and fans.
Trading Samuel would give the 49ers control over his next destination, preventing him from landing with an NFC rival.
However, cutting him outright would create significant salary cap relief, even if it means facing him twice a year should he sign with a division foe.
As the 49ers weigh their options, no matter the outcome, Samuel’s potential departure will leave a lasting impact on San Francisco’s offense.
Read the full article here
