Will the 49ers Trade Deebo Samuel After June 1?

He's the highest-paid wide receiver on the team and he absolutely stunk in the Super Bowl. Got targeted 11 times and caught just three passes.

Feb 11, 2024; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Kansas City Chiefs cornerback Trent McDuffie (22) breaks up a / Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports

The 49ers just drafted a wide receiver in Round 1. Someone's job is in jeopardy, and it's probably Deebo Samuel's.

He's the highest-paid wide receiver on the team and he absolutely stunk in the Super Bowl. Got targeted 11 times and caught just three passes. The Chiefs played aggressive man-to-man coverage and he simply couldn't beat it. Didn't have the quickness or route-running ability to get himself open, which is what he's paid to do.

And so the 49ers just spent a first-round pick on Ricky Pearsall, who specializes in route-running. And then the 49ers spent a fourth-round pick on Jacob Cowing, who also specializes in route-running. And then the 49ers reportedly fielded calls and listened to trade offers for Samuel during the draft.

"I know what’s going on but it is what it is," Samuel told The Athletic after the draft. "I’m good staying with them. I’m chilling."

But are the 49ers good with keeping Samuel? They could trade him after June 1 and free up more than $22 million in salary cap space, which seems like something that might appeal to them, considering they released Arik Armstead with a post-June-1 designation to create as much salary-cap space as possible.

The Steelers have made it clear that they're in the market for a veteran wide receiver and would trade for Samuel or Brandon Aiyuk at the right price. It's possible the price could be tight end Pat Freiermuth or Darnell Washington and draft picks in 2025.

The 49ers know they'll see lots of man-to-man coverage as long as Brock Purdy is their starting quarterback. And that means Deebo Samuel could become obsolete for them. Best to trade him before that happens.