49ers Potential 2024 Trade Target
The San Francisco 49ers have assembled a formidable roster in the NFL, boasting multiple All-Pro talents on both offense and defense, largely due to the cost-effective rookie contract of quarterback Brock Purdy. However, upcoming contract extensions pose a significant challenge, potentially leading to the departure of a star player.
From a salary cap perspective, the 49ers face long-term difficulties. While General Manager John Lynch doesn’t have many impending free agents to deal with this offseason, the team is confronted with numerous impact players set to enter free agency in 2025.
This poses a problem for a team projected to have minimal cap space in 2025, without factoring in potential contract extensions and salary increases for players like Brandon Aiyuk, Deommodore Lenoir, and Talanoa Hufanga. With a looming long-term deal for Purdy, tough decisions may need to be made this year.
In the midst of NFL trade rumors involving Aiyuk, there’s also speculation surrounding the potential departure of All-Pro offensive weapon Deebo Samuel this offseason.
If Samuel were to be traded, it could pave the way for the extension of Aiyuk, positioning him as the primary receiver in Kyle Shanahan’s offense. Despite Samuel’s significant contributions to the team, his history of injuries and his status as a less natural number one receiver compared to Aiyuk make him a potential trade candidate.
Samuel has previously been subject to NFL trade rumors, notably in 2022 when he wasn’t under a long-term contract and had expressed a desire to leave San Francisco. Ultimately, the 49ers front office faces tough roster decisions in the coming years, and there’s a possibility that one of their top offensive weapons may not be with the team at the start of the 2024 NFL season.
