Broncos should enter Deebo Samuel sweepstakes, offer Jeudy and more

Maybe the craziest offseason in NFL history got a little crazier on Wednesday, when reports surfaced 49ers playmaker Deebo Samuel wants out of San Francisco.

ESPN’s Jeff Darlington broke the news on Twitter.

Breaking News: I just spoke to wide receiver Deebo Samuel — and he told me that he has asked the 49ers to trade him.

He did not want to discuss specific reasons behind his request, but he has indeed let the 49ers know his desire to leave the organization. More to come.

— Jeff Darlington (@JeffDarlington) April 20, 2022

Samuel exploded onto the NFL scene in 2021, becoming a dual-threat wide receiver and running back and nearly carrying an otherwise anemic 49ers offense to the Super Bowl. He had 77 catches for more than 1,400 yards and six touchdowns. He also rushed 59 times for eight TDs. The man can find the end zone at any given time.

Samuel, a former second-round draft pick, is entering the final year of his rookie deal and is cheap (for now). He’s scheduled to make just under $4M in 2022. Of course, a monster extension awaits him after the crazy money wide receivers have gotten this offseason, but that can get done at a later date. In fact, it could very well be the reason he asked the 49ers for a trade.

And Broncos GM George Paton has already proved he’s “all-in” this offseason by adding Russell Wilson, Randy Gregory, D.J. Jones and K’Waun Williams, so why not bring another former 49er to Denver?

Samuel would immediately take the Broncos from “maybe they can beat the Chiefs” to the AFC West favorites. In fact, they might become the trendy pick to represent the conference in the Super Bowl; he’s that good. Pairing him with Wilson, Javonte Williams, Courtland Sutton and Tim Patrick would make the Broncos offense perhaps the most dynamic in the NFL.

You’ll notice I didn’t mention Jerry Jeudy above, because he’s the most logical piece Paton should offer for Samuel. A former No. 15 overall pick out of Alabama, Jeudy was part of the 2020 NFL Draft , thought to be the best WR class in league history. He hasn’t lived up to the hype, but has undeniable talent. A Samuel for Jeudy swap makes sense for both sides — as Samuel wants out and Jeudy could use a change of scenery.

Of course, the Broncos would have to give up more than that, but it’s a good starting point. Paton stockpiled draft picks in the Von Miller trade and has plenty of tempting options for the 49ers. What about a package of Jeudy and a third-round selection, No. 96 overall, previously owned by the Rams? If that’s not satisfying enough, he could even offer pick No. 75, Denver’s original third-round selection.

Listen, the Broncos championship window is already open, but it could be pushed wide open by acquiring Samuel. The 2021 First-Team All-Pro is that dynamic and electric. He’s already a superstar who will thrive in the NFL for years to come.

George Paton could make an already fantastic offseason that much better with one more massive move.

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