BREAKING: Broncos Trade Fit To Land $71 Million All-Pro ‘Swiss Army Knife’
A lack of a dynamic playmaker like Deebo Samuel contributed to the Denver Broncos leaving points on the field during the 2024 season. Head coach Sean Payton experimented with multiple options, but none provided the mismatch potential Samuel offers.
With his time in San Francisco nearing an end, Samuel has reportedly requested and received permission to seek a trade. CBS Sports’ Garrett Podell identified the Broncos as a “potential fit,” noting that with Payton now having his preferred quarterback, he may look to strengthen Bo Nix’s supporting cast.
Samuel recorded 51 receptions for 670 yards and three touchdowns in 2024. The versatile 29-year-old is entering the final year of his three-year, $71 million contract, but a post-June 1 trade would leave the 49ers with a $10.7 million dead cap hit—double the $5.1 million they would save.
49ers Expected to Explore Trade for Deebo Samuel
ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported that Deebo Samuel and the San Francisco 49ers mutually agreed to explore trade options, with the team granting Samuel and his agent, Tory Dandy, permission to seek a trade.
“The 49ers have granted Deebo Samuel and his agent Tory Dandy permission to find a trade partner for the wide receiver,” Samuel told ESPN. “This comes after Samuel asked San Francisco to trade him during the players’ exit meetings after the season,” Schefter shared in a post on X on February 9.
Throughout the season, Samuel expressed frustration with his role, clarifying that he wasn’t struggling but simply wasn’t being utilized enough. He also released a statement through Schefter.
NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reported that the 49ers appeared to anticipate Samuel’s potential departure by selecting Ricky Pearsall in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft and extending Brandon Aiyuk last August.
“During the course of a roller-coaster offseason for Aiyuk, the 49ers did have some trade talks centered around Samuel, which he discussed publicly during the team’s offseason program,” Rapoport wrote on February 9.
A dynamic playmaker capable of taking over a game at his best, Samuel is expected to draw significant interest, especially from teams running variations of Kyle Shanahan’s offense.
The Broncos could be one of those teams, as Samuel’s versatility makes him an ideal fit for a key role in head coach Sean Payton’s offensive system.
Broncos Urged to Trade for 49ers WR Deebo Samuel
Former NFL quarterback Robert Griffin III believes the Broncos should pursue Deebo Samuel during the 2025 offseason, citing his experience in two Super Bowls with the 49ers and his versatility in Sean Payton’s offense.
“The Denver Broncos should trade for Deebo Samuel,” Griffin posted on X on February 9. “Sean Payton said he needs a ‘Joker’—an elite receiver who can play RB/TE, create mismatches, and own the middle. That’s Deebo. Payton will understand how to use his versatility and get him back to his YAC Attack.”
The 49ers have granted Deebo Samuel and his agent Tory Dandy permission to find a trade partner for the wide receiver, Samuel told ESPN. This comes after Samuel asked San Francisco to trade him during the players’ exit meetings after the season.
“It was a hard conversation to… pic.twitter.com/uuEsxgFHIJ
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) February 9, 2025
However, there may be a complication in that projection. Payton has previously stated that his definition of a “joker” does not include wide receivers.
“I would say we need a ‘joker,’” Payton told Kay Adams on Up & Adams on February 5. “They have to be elite receivers that play tight end or running back, and then you get the matchups.”
Despite this, Samuel checks several key boxes. A 2021 All-Pro and Pro Bowler, he has lined up in the backfield frequently throughout his career, accumulating 202 career carries. Payton experimented with 2023 second-round pick Marvin Mims in a similar role late in the season, but acquiring Samuel could provide an upgrade while allowing Mims to continue excelling as an All-Pro returner.