ESPN's Adam Schefter reported that Deebo Samuel would like a change of scenery.
Samuel told Schefter, "It was a hard conversation to have with Kyle because of the relationship that we have," Samuel told ESPN's Adam Schefter. "But I have to do what's best. I'm more than thankful for the Niners giving me the opportunity of a lifetime but now I think we should find another team."
Another veteran receiver with a big name that follows him means another trade rumor going to the Steelers. There has yet to be any leaked trade chatter like Pittsburgh had with the 49ers last offseason revolving around Brandon Aiyuk. Expect that to change over the coming weeks as clubs try to solve their cap situation going into free agency.
Right now, San Francisco is trying to manage their cap issues. They aren't hurting for money at this juncture, but Brock Purdy needs an extension, which will require money to be cleared. Samuel hasn't been the same player in recent years for the 49ers. Pittsburgh would be wise to place some calls, but they can't afford a monster trade.
Some mock trade proposals could scare off the fans if they got leaked.
Steelers could offer a trade offer that would provide mixed reactions
When you try to figure out a potential deal, it is hard to ignore what some clubs paid at the trade deadline. The Buffalo Bills acquired Amari Cooper on an expiring contract for a 2025 3rd-round pick and a 2026 7th-round selection. That was around the deadline, but it's hard to ignore that San Francisco could want a similar return.
Samuel is under contract for this upcoming season before hitting free agency. In an ideal world, the Steelers would see how the star receiver plays this upcoming campaign before expressing interest in a contract extension. After all, the sixth-year player never was a speedster, so he could slow down more with age. That's another red flag for handing out a third-round pick, even with salary retention.
Pittsburgh could meet the 49ers in the middle for Deebo Samuel
San Francisco's current situation doesn't give them much leverage in trade talks. They failed to do much with Aiyuk last offseason, so it is hard to believe a player requesting a deal on an expiring contract after the upcoming season would give them much say. Omar Khan should be placing calls and offering little for the veteran receiver.
A pick swap in the middle rounds of the upcoming draft and their earliest selection out of their three picks in the seventh round doesn't seem farfetched. Samuel is coming off a down year. Samuel just turned 29 last month, so he remains in his prime, but there aren't too many years left. With his need for a new contract, the Steelers should be lowballing the 49ers.
There are too many red flags to offer up the world for Samuel.
READ MORE: Blockbuster mock trades prove Steelers, Cooper Kupp are a match made in Heaven
Let's get a little creative and double dip for a higher cost
Pittsburgh gets a little creative by adding two roster players from San Francisco.
In this mock trade, the Steelers add Samuel and running back, Jordan Mason. Both provided great efforts for a 49ers offense that struggled without Christian McCaffrey in the lineup. Mason produced monster numbers behind a strong offensive line. He would be a solid addition to help pair with Jaylen Warren and a rookie back.
Giving up a second and sixth-round pick over the next two drafts would be concerning. At least they get two roster players under contract through next season and a 4th round selection this offseason. The salary retention helps, but Steelers' fans would go ballistic if they traded a second-round pick. This isn't terrible value, but it would have a stern reaction.