San Francisco 49ers' $71 million star unexpectedly brought up as a potential trade candidate

The 49ers don’t have the record they were hoping for at this point in the season, even though they hold the top position in the NFC West. San Francisco is currently 3-3 after a rough start.

San Francisco 49ers' $71 million star unexpectedly brought up as a potential  trade candidate - Sports Al Dente

The team has shown improvement recently as they are getting healthier, but could a change be coming?

Dianna Russini from The Athletic created a list of potential “trade deadline names to watch” and surprisingly included 49ers star Deebo Samuel as a possible trade option.

“Trade deadline names to watch,” Russini said. “The trade deadline is 17 days away; many around the league are keeping an eye on these names:

San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Deebo Samuel Sr. runs between New York Jets linebacker C.J. Mosley and defensive tackle Quinnen Williams during the first half of an NFL football game

(Carolina Panthers) (quarterback) Bryce Young and (wide receivers) Diontae Johnson, Jonathan Mingo, and Adam Thielen, 49ers (wide receiver) Deebo Samuel, (Chicago Bears) (running back) Khalil Herbert and (defensive end) Dom Robinson, (Tennessee Titans) (wide receivers) Treylon Burks and DeAndre Hopkins, (Cleveland Browns) (defensive end) Za’Darius Smith.”

Samuel has been part of trade talks before, but he was not traded. He has one year left on a three-year, $71.5 million contract. If the 49ers do not see Samuel in their long-term plans, trading him might make sense. However, doing so would greatly weaken the team’s offense.