Who Should I Start? Deebo Samuel or Justice Hill

Friday, April 26, 12:13 AM

The San Francisco 49ers are "more likely" to trade wide receiver Deebo Samuel than Brandon Aiyuk during this year's 2024 NFL draft, according to a source. Aiyuk's name has been mentioned in trade rumors all offseason, but now Samuel is the more likely pass-catcher to be dealt. Samuel, 28, is two years older than Aiyuk but has more versatility in the offense. However, Samuel also has a salary cap hit north of $20 million in 2025. Aiyuk is looking for a new long-term deal as he heads into the fifth and final contract of his rookie deal, but the Niners have been hesitant to give him a market deal given their other financial commitments. San Francisco took rookie pass-catcher Ricky Pearsall with the 31st overall pick in the first round on Thursday night, potentially foreshadowing a trade of either Samuel or Aiyuk in the coming days.

Saturday, January 20, 8:35 PM

Baltimore Ravens running back Justice Hill emerged as the leader in the Baltimore backfield during the Divisional Round, rushing 13 times for 66 yards and making two catches for 11 yards in the team's commanding 34-10 victory over the Texans. His 13 carries matched a season-high, and his 66 rushing yards marked his highest in a game all season, surpassing his previous best of 48 yards. Dealing with injuries to running backs J.K. Dobbins and later Keaton Mitchell throughout the season, Hill seized the opportunity that came his way. Baltimore is set to host the AFC title game next week against either the Chiefs or Bills, both of whom rank below average in DVOA against the run. They are both in the bottom half in points allowed to running backs this year, and the Ravens are likely to continue relying on whoever the hot hand is in their backfield.