You can’t chalk it up to meaningless rumors anymore.
The Deebo Samuel situation reached a tipping point on Wednesday, when Samuel told ESPN’s Jeff Darlington that he wants to be traded by the 49ers this offseason. Apparently, Samuel is unhappy with the way San Francisco has been using him, and is uninterested in negotiating an extension.
So, what happens next? With the NFL Draft approaching, now would be the time to trade Samuel if the 49ers aren’t going to play hardball. San Francisco doesn’t have a pick in the first round after last year’s trade for Trey Lance, so the 49ers could move Samuel for a high pick in a WR heavy draft.
Or they could stand pat. If Samuel’s issue is truly with his usage, that seems like something that could be worked out with head coach Kyle Shanahan. There is still a lot of time between now and Week 1 for the two sides to iron things out.
Ultimately, that’s what oddsmakers think will happen. According to OddChecker, there is a 71.4% chance that Deebo doesn’t go anywhere this offseason. If he is traded, the most likely destination will be with old friends Robert Saleh and Mike LaFleur in New York with the Jets (20%). After that it’s the Colts (14.3%), Falcons (11.1%) and Saints (11.1%).
Here are the full odds.
“Even if he wants out, the 49ers really have no reason to give him what he wants,” OddsChecker spokesman Kyle Newman said in a press release. “That said, if he does leave the Jets are by far the most likely suitor. They’ve been chasing a star wide receiver all offseason and Deebo would not only give them that, but he’d also give them someone who knows their offense inside and out. Who knows what could happen on the trade market, but if Deebo isn’t a 49er or Jet on Week 1 it would be a shock.”