If it occurs, Deebo Samuel-New York Jets swap would likely be “a trade on the clock”
One week has passed since it was reported that San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Deebo Samuel had requested a trade (with the New York Jets being mentioned as a prime suitor) and the reigning first-team All-Pro remains a member of the red and gold.
All has been quiet on the Samuel front since the announcement of his request. By most accounts, there has been little-to-no progress made toward a Samuel trade. With the 2022 NFL draft now less than 24 hours away, it seems time is running out for the 49ers to trade their star offensive weapon.
However, some league insiders are still leaving the door open for a Samuel deal.
Tim Kawakami, editor-in-chief of The Athletic Bay Area, stated on Wednesday night that he believes any potential Samuel trade would occur during the draft.
“[A trade] Likely wouldn’t be announced until/unless 49ers have a deal AND the player they want is still there,” Kawakami tweeted. “Would be a trade on the clock.”
Kawakami adds that he thinks a Samuel trade is a “live possibility”.
Likely wouldn't be announced until/unless 49ers have a deal AND the player they want is still there. Would be a trade on the clock.
Put it this way: If I didn't think a Deebo trade was a live possibility, I wouldn't go to 49ers HQ tomorrow.
And I'm going to 49ers HQ tomorrow. https://t.co/k0gwt30dWj
— Tim Kawakami (@timkawakami) April 28, 2022
On Wednesday morning, ESPN’s Rich Cimini reiterated that the Jets still have interest in making a Samuel trade “if they can get a deal that makes sense.”
Re: Deebo Samuel situation: My understanding is that nothing has changed from yesterday, which is to say the #Jets are still interested if they can get a deal that makes sense.
— Rich Cimini (@RichCimini) April 27, 2022
The Jets own the fourth and 10th overall picks in the 2022 NFL draft. Based on recent trade packages we have seen for star wide receivers, it would seem that a reasonable Jets offer for Samuel would revolve around that No. 10 pick.
By itself, the 10th pick is worth more points on the Jimmy Johnson trade chart (1,300 points) than the most lucrative wide receiver trade package we have seen in recent memory, which was the Davante Adams deal (1,150 points between the combination of the 22nd and 53rd picks).
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This is pure speculation, but based on what Kawakami is saying, perhaps the 49ers are patiently waiting to agree on a trade until they know whether one of their preferred prospects will be available with the pick they are trading for. That 10-minute period in which the Jets are on the clock at No. 10 is the window to keep an eye on.
Samuel is coming off of a stellar season in which he recorded 1,770 yards from scrimmage and 14 total touchdowns over 16 games. He added another 291 yards and two touchdowns over three playoff games. Samuel also led the NFL with 18.2 yards per reception in the regular season.
Hang in there, everyone. Soon enough, all of the speculation will finally be over, and we’ll know exactly which new faces the Jets will be bringing with them into the future.
