The Pittsburgh Steelers and San Francisco 49ers have been closely linked over the past few months, with the anticipation that a trade will occur between the two historic franchises for a wide receiver. Though the majority of the focus has circled around Brandon Aiyuk, who enters into 2024 on the final year of his rookie deal, reports broke around the 2024 NFL Draft that All-Pro Deebo Samuel was available as well.
Samuel is now three years removed from his lone 1,000-yard receiving season in 2021, but comes off a season where he totaled 1,117 total yards. Injuries and the emergence of other players on the roster have hurt Samuel's production on the field, but when it comes to receivers, it's not always about the end-of-the-year stats, but the eyes you pull on the field.
Despite the drop in production, there isn't much optimism that Samuel is a true trade candidate for the Steelers according to Gerry Dulac of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.
"I don't think Deebo is realistic."
Samuel has been a dynamic weapon in the San Francisco offense for the past few seasons. Since being taken in the second round of the 2019 NFL Draft, he has totaled over 5,000 total yards and 19 touchdowns on both the ground, and through the air in his career. He is headed into year two of a three-year contract that runs through 2025, but holds no more guaranteed money on his deal following this season. This opens the door to move on from the six-year veteran, and hold onto a younger emerging talent like Aiyuk.
Are The Steelers More Likely To Land Samuel Or Aiyuk?
With the recent extensions and signings by the 49ers, it feels inevitable that one of the two receivers will be on the move prior to the trade deadline in November. The 49ers selected Ricky Pearsall with the 31st overall pick, and extended both Jauan Jennings and Christian McCaffrey this offseason. With star tight end George Kittle still in the fold, it raises the question, are there too many mouths to feed in San Francisco?
Where Samuel has seen his receiving numbers decrease over the past few seasons, Aiyuk's numbers have continued to climb since his rookie year in 2020. Aiyuk comes off a career high 1,342-yard season, averaging almost 18 yards per catch. It's tough to imagine that the 49ers would be willing to part with the level of production that Aiyuk brings to the table. However, with the price tag on an extension of Aiyuk and the pending extension of Brock Purdy, it may be better to get something for Aiyuk than to let him go for free.
If Samuel is available, it may be worth the inquiry for the Steelers, as he fits what Arthur Smith likes to do on offense. Samuel has been used as a hybrid receiver and running back, and has seen plenty of success at the NFL level in both areas. Whether it's running the jet sweep, or being employed in the backfield to create mismatches for linebackers, Samuel is a dynamic weapon. There is not quite anyone in the league who does what Samuel can, which makes him that much more indispensable to the 49ers. He would be the exact playmaker to take pressure off a young offense in Pittsburgh, and wouldn't break the bank like Aiyuk would.
The ultimate question either way is the compensation it would require to receive either player. For a team like the Steelers who would desire more firepower for their new quarterback room, either player fills a massive need. Both Aiyuk and Samuel are coming towards the end of their deals, and based on the impending pay days, there is a possibility that both guys could be shopped.
