Two things have become immediately apparent in the wake of Deebo Samuel’s recent trade request going public Wednesday: A multitude of teams have interest in acquiring him, but few actually believe the San Francisco 49ers have any interest in letting him go.
“They do not want to trade him,” one NFL executive said Wednesday. “At all.”
There’s little reason to disagree, given how instrumental Samuel’s talent and versatility has become to the 49ers offense under head coach (and now de facto offensive coordinator) Kyle Shanahan. The self-described “wide back” took on a dual role receiving and running the ball last season, transforming him into a first-team All-Pro and arguably the most important player in San Francisco’s scheme.