Who Should I Start? Deebo Samuel or DeAndre Hopkins

Wednesday, May 1, 2:04 PM

The San Francisco 49ers were engaged in trade talks involving wide receivers Brandon Aiyuk and Deebo Samuel leading up to the draft, but the team elected not to trade either of their star receivers, with all signs pointing toward both being on the 2024 roster. Aiyuk is entering the final year of his rookie deal, and the assumption was that he'd be the odd man out after the team paid Samuel and other star players. Samuel still has two years left on the deal he signed before the 2022 season. San Fran has been to at least the NFC Championship game in four of the last five seasons, and losing Aiyuk or Samuel would almost certainly make the team worse in 2024. The 49ers can afford to keep both this year, but an Aiyuk extension would likely reduce his $14.124 million salary cap number for 2024. Samuel's fantasy value would have likely taken a hit with a move out of the Bay Area.

Sunday, January 7, 4:21 PM

Tennessee Titans wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins caught seven of his 10 targets for 46 yards and a touchdown in the Week 18 win over the Jacksonville Jaguars. Hopkins notably earned a $500,000 bonus for reaching 75 receptions on Sunday. He also secured a $1 million bonus for reaching 1,050 receiving yards. It was a great day for the veteran, and his season will come to a close with a total of 75 catches for 1,057 yards and seven touchdowns. Assuming he's in Tennessee next year, he'll continue to operate as the clear No. 1 wide receiver -- presumably for quarterback Will Levis.