A Deebo Samuel trade request has officially come across the desk of the San Francisco 49ers. The team failed to agree to a contract extension with their superstar wide receiver, who was upset with how he is used in the offense. Now, teams will be lining up to try to acquire the 26-year-old All-Pro.
The 2022 NFL offseason has been defined by player movement. It has been especially been defined by superstar wide receivers Tyreek Hill and Davante Adams requesting trades that they ultimately received. Samuel's Twitter activity suggests he wants to be traded to the Dallas Cowboys.
However, the 49ers aren't looking to play ball with Samuel's request. Connor Hughes of The Athletic reports that the Niners aren't going to fulfill his request.
Hughes notes that the 49ers have the power because of the control they have him under contract this year and can franchise tag him next year. However, that time will eventually run out. They will have to try very hard to sign him to a new contractor they risk letting him go for nothing.
San Francisco is taking a hard stand against their star player's trade request, which is a very risky move. They may be able to compete more with him but may also run the risk of depleting some of his trade value.
If the 49ers do decide to move Samuel, they will have Brandon Aiyuk and George Kittle to surround Trey Lance in addition to the assets they get for Samuel. It could make for a solid offense, but replacing Samuel will be very hard to do.