Who Should I Start? Deebo Samuel or George Pickens

Monday, February 10, 6:11 PM

The San Francisco 49ers gave wide receiver Deebo Samuel Sr. permission to seek a trade this offseason. Samuel is under contract for one more season, and his deal includes a $15 million option bonus. Along with his drop in production in 2024, it could suppress Samuel's trade market, but NBC Sports Bay Area's Matt Maiocco lists the Buffalo Bills, Los Angeles Chargers, Washington Commanders, Pittsburgh Steelers and Houston Texans as a few teams that could be interested in acquiring Samuel from the Niners. The 29-year-old former second-rounder had career-lows of 3.4 catches and 44.7 receiving yards per game in 15 contests in 2024, with his per-rush average also dropping to 3.2 yards. Although Samuel is much more of an injury risk with declining production, he does have 42 total TDs in six NFL seasons and will draw interest from receiver-needy teams as a trade target.

Monday, January 20, 12:24 AM

Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver George Pickens could be traded if the team adds a No. 1 receiver during the offseason, according to Mark Kaboly of 93.7 The Fan. In a post on X responding to fan questions, Kaboly wrote, "Can they land somebody? If so, I do think they will move [Pickens]." It was a turbulent year for the 23-year-old, who drew head coach Mike Tomlin's ire for unsportsmanlike penalties and reportedly showed up late to the team's Christmas Day game. He missed three contests due to injury this year, and his production was somewhat inconsistent when he was healthy. Pickens finished the campaign with 59 receptions, 900 yards, and a career-low three touchdowns. There's no indication that Pittsburgh is done with Pickens or committed to trading him, but Kaboly's post suggests he could certainly be moved.