New head coach Liam Coen has stated that the Jacksonville Jaguars aren't in rebuilding mode, and it's easy to understand why. As underwhelming as they were in 2024, they have ample talent on both sides of the ball to compete in the AFC South right away. That said, the Jags also have a few glaring needs, one of them is wide receiver. They could take care of it by trading for Deebo Samuel.
Adam Schefter of ESPN reported on Super Bowl Sunday that the San Francisco 49ers have given Samuel and his agent Tory Dandy permission to look for a new team, pointing out that the Pro Bowl receiver requested a trade during the players' exit meeting following the 2024 season.
"It was a hard conversation to have with Kyle (Shanahan) because of a relationship that we have," Samuel said via 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 it's best that we find another team."
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.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) February 9, 2025
“It was a hard conversation to… pic.twitter.com/uuEsxgFHIJ
Earlier the same day, Ian Rapoport of NFL Media broke the news that the Niners were exploring the possibility of dealing the former South Carolina Gamecock.
A second-round pick in 2019, Samuel broke out in 2021, hauling in 77 receptions for 1,405 yards with six touchdowns. The same year, he toted the rock 59 times for 365 yards with eight touchdowns. His amazing production earned him a Pro Bowl nod and a First-Team All-Pro designation.
Samuel also asked to be traded in 2022 before signing a three-year extension worth $71.5 million that runs through 2025.
Why the Jaguars must explore the possibility of trading for Deebo Samuel
The Jacksonville Jaguars have a stud in Brian Thomas Jr. but need another receiver on the opposite side of the field who can draw coverage away from him. Christian Kirk is slated to be a cap casualty, and his potential in-house replacement, Parker Washington, mostly plays in the slot. Gabe Davis is also in the mix but was a disappointment last year. Enter Deebo Samuel.
Head coach Liam Coen showed with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers the ability to use his players in creative ways. In Samuel, he would be getting a chess piece that can line up anywhere across the line of scrimmage. That versatility could turn the Jaguars' offense into one of the best in the league.
The downside of acquiring Samuel is that he'll probably have a robust market, and the 49ers may want a second or third-rounder in exchange. Several teams won't hesitate to meet their asking price. Add the fact that the seventh-year receiver might be looking for a new deal, and acquiring him may not be as easy.
The Jaguars have around $37 million in space and create around $24 million extra if they release a few players. Samuel has a cap number of $15.8 million for 2025 and none of his salary is guaranteed. They can fit him into their budget, and maybe even give him the contract he's looking for. Trading for him won't lead to an immediate cap crunch, but it could be an issue in future years.
The bottom line is that Deebo Samuel would give the Jacksonville Jaguars a dynamic weapon opposite Brian Thomas Jr., but acquiring him comes with a significant financial downside. Then again, he's talented enough that they must at least explore the possibility.