As the Pittsburgh Steelers head into another crucial offseason, the need for reinforcements at the wide receiver position remains a top priority. The team has already been linked to several potential options across the league, with speculation growing about possible trade targets who could provide an immediate boost to their offense.
One name that has surfaced as a potential solution is Deebo Samuel of the San Francisco 49ers. Following a disappointing 2024 campaign, which saw the 49ers struggle with injuries and fail to meet expectations, Samuel has become a trade candidate. His situation has caught the attention of receiver-needy teams, and the Steelers are among those who could explore the possibility of acquiring him at a reasonable cost.
Samuel’s Trade Value Lower Than Expected?
According to ESPN’s Nick Wagoner, who covers the 49ers, Samuel’s trade value may be lower than initially anticipated. Given his dip in production and the fact that he is entering the final year of his contract, San Francisco might not be able to command a hefty return for the talented wideout. Wagoner provided insight into what a potential deal could look like in an article discussing Samuel’s situation and his prior trade request from the organization.
“Because Samuel is coming off a down year and is entering the final year of his contract with other top receivers set to be available in free agency or trade, a Day 3 draft pick and perhaps another late-round pick would probably satisfy the 49ers,” Wagoner wrote. “If there isn’t much of a trade market, the Niners might have to settle for less unless they package picks with Samuel.”
With other star wide receivers, such as the Los Angeles Rams’ Cooper Kupp, likely to command a significantly higher price, Samuel’s relatively modest value could make him an attractive option for teams looking for a dynamic playmaker at a discount. While his 2024 production did not meet expectations, the low-cost nature of a potential trade should at least prompt the Steelers to consider making an inquiry.
Would the Steelers Pull the Trigger on a Deal?
Despite the enticing price tag, there are no guarantees that Pittsburgh will make a move for Samuel. The Steelers were previously linked to Brandon Aiyuk, Samuel’s teammate in San Francisco, during last offseason. However, despite the team’s interest, Aiyuk ultimately re-signed with the 49ers, showing that a favorable trade scenario does not always materialize into a deal.
While Samuel and Aiyuk are distinct players with different skill sets, their situations highlight the complexity of trade negotiations. Even if the Steelers express interest in Samuel, a variety of factors—ranging from contract negotiations to the team’s long-term plans—will play a role in determining whether a trade actually comes to fruition.
Ultimately, Samuel’s availability and affordability make him a compelling option for Pittsburgh as they seek to upgrade their receiving corps. If the Steelers believe he can return to his All-Pro form from the 2021 season, they may see this as an opportunity to land a game-changing weapon without breaking the bank. However, with plenty of wide receivers expected to hit the open market or become available via trade, the Steelers could opt to explore other avenues before committing to a deal for Samuel.
DEAL AGREED: Steelers set to acquire Big-name signing after agreeing Price for Deebo Samuel
