Should The Steelers Trade for Deebo Samuel?
It’s no secret that the Steelers need a complete overhaul of their wide receiver room this offseason. The only two players who have shown promise at the NFL level are George Pickens—who could be a trade candidate himself—and Calvin Austin, whose skill set is primarily that of a speed slot receiver.
Khan and company will need to explore every possible avenue to rebuild a wide receiver room that could best be described as a blank canvas. One option that has been gaining traction over the past year is a potential trade with the San Francisco 49ers for either Brandon Aiyuk or Deebo Samuel, as the team prepares to pay Brock Purdy. With Aiyuk securing a new deal from the Niners, Samuel now appears to be the more likely trade candidate this offseason based off recent reports.
“I spoke to Deebo Samuel yesterday..
I think there would be a lot of teams that could use him..
I think he’s an option for the entire AFC North”@AdamSchefter #PMSLive pic.twitter.com/IG7PjxeZtv
— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) February 10, 2025
What could he provide?
Deebo isn’t your typical wide receiver; he brings a hybrid element to an offense with his exceptional run-after-catch ability and a solid 6-foot, 215-pound frame that allows him to take carries out of the backfield. His dynamic skill set was on full display during the 2021 season when he amassed 1,770 total yards and 14 touchdowns, earning First-Team All-Pro honors while helping the 49ers reach the Super Bowl.
Two minutes of Deebo Samuel getting the football far away from the endzone, running very fast, then scoring six points.@19problemz | @49ers pic.twitter.com/DDKC04ikF9
— NFL (@NFL) June 20, 2023
Since then, he has surpassed 1,000 scrimmage yards only once and is coming off his least productive season since his sophomore year, when he played just seven games. In 2024, he appeared in 13 games, recording 808 total yards and four touchdowns. This dip in production could indicate that he has lost a step with age and is no longer the explosive athlete he once was. However, a more optimistic perspective suggests that his decline was due to the 49ers’ offensive struggles caused by key injuries rather than personal regression.
Deebo fills a void in the Steelers’ offense with his ability to generate yards after the catch, making plays in space on crossing routes and screen passes. His 8.2 yards after catch (YAC) per reception ranked fourth among wide receivers in 2024, according to PFF. However, what he doesn’t provide is the down field threat the Steelers desperately need. Per PFF, Deebo ranked 89th in average depth of target at just 6.2 yards, meaning he primarily operates short of the sticks rather than stretching the field—a critical element Pittsburgh is missing in its receiving corps outside of George Pickens.
Beyond his abilities as a pass-catcher and ball carrier, Deebo comes from a 49ers offense that has consistently emphasized the run game throughout his career. As a result, he is a willing and capable blocker—an essential trait for any receiver in an Arthur Smith-led offense. In addition to his blocking ability, Deebo’s competitiveness and leadership have made him a respected presence in the locker room, earning him the role of team captain for the past two seasons. This is something the Steelers’ receiving corps has lacked for the better part of a decade.
Is he worth picking up?
For a Steelers receiving group that was neglected in the 2024 offseason due to a failed pursuit of Brandon Aiyuk, making a move for Deebo Samuel—who has one year left on his deal—should be something the team seriously considers. However, potential contract complications could impact the feasibility of a trade. The 49ers would have to absorb $31,020,600 in dead cap, while the acquiring team would take on $17.5 million in non-guaranteed money.
Trading WR Deebo Samuel
New Team Acquires
1 yr, $17.5M (non-guaranteed)#49ers Dead Cap
$31,020,600 pic.twitter.com/z7RqHhpzaM— Spotrac (@spotrac) February 9, 2025
Whether a trade for Deebo is financially viable remains to be seen, but if both the 49ers and Steelers can work out the financial logistics, taking a swing at Samuel, likely for Day 3 draft capital makes sense for a team with little to no proven talent at the receiver position.
What do you say, should the Steelers turn to finally making a deal with John Lynch and the 49ers for a reciver or should they look at double dipping at the position through free agency and the draft?
Before I read the article, NO. I’m glad they “missed out” on Aiyuk, Hopkins and Adams too. If Debo finds himself walking the streets as a free agent I’d be happy to work out a reasonable deal, but to trade for him – not worth the price tag. I’ll pass on Cooper Kupp too.
Okay that’s fair enough I am just wondering then if you miss out on Deebo, who is the veteran you think you should bring into the room. If you miss out on Higgins and Godwin goes back to Tampa then the list of players to bring in gets fairly slim, which leaves you only to bring in a van Jefferson type again and some rookies.
To me, the only way I’d trade for Deebo is if the financials make sense. Either the 49ers eat some of his 2025 salary, or he agrees to re-do his deal.
Otherwise, I’m not about to send valuable draft capital and money to the 49ers for a WR who has been injured more than healthy the past two seasons.
For sure! The key would be being able to extend him for a year and spread that money out, because he certainly isn’t a 17.5 million dollar player any more. I wonder what specifically the Steelers would have to give up because of the financial situation could it be less than we think?
I love Deebo Samuel. He reminds me of Hines Ward in so many ways. But he’s going to be 30 next season, he’s worn a lot of tread off his tires, and his style of play suggests he could decline rapidly. The Deebo of 2-3 years ago would be worth the money involved. The Deebo of today, not so much.