The NFL Offseason Begins As the excitement of Super Bowl LIX fades and the confetti is cleared in New Orleans, the NFL world quickly shifts focus to the offseason. With the 2025 NFL Scouting Combine just weeks away and the NFL Draft approaching, teams are already making key roster decisions.
Deebo Samuel Requests Trade from San Francisco 49ers One of the first major headlines of the offseason revolves around San Francisco 49ers’ star wide receiver, Deebo Samuel. Reports surfaced just before the Super Bowl that Samuel has requested and been granted permission to seek a trade. This move comes as he enters the final season of his three-year contract extension signed in 2022.
Denver Broncos: A Potential Landing Spot? During a recent interview with Bleacher Report, Samuel hinted that the Denver Broncos could be a special team in 2025. He praised rookie quarterback Bo Nix, Denver’s strong defense, and standout cornerback Patrick Surtain II.
However, while Samuel appears interested in the Broncos, the team may need to think twice before making a move. Broncos head coach Sean Payton mentioned the need for a “joker” in his offense— a versatile skill player who can create mismatches. While Samuel fits this role, his performance has declined since his 2021 Pro Bowl season, when he posted 1,770 total yards (1,405 receiving, 365 rushing). In 2024, he managed only 806 total yards (670 receiving, 136 rushing), the second-lowest of his career.
Financial Considerations for Denver If the Broncos trade for Samuel, they would take on a one-year, $17.5 million non-guaranteed deal, limiting their flexibility in free agency. Spotrac projects Denver will have $37.32 million in cap space this offseason, meaning a move for Samuel could restrict other roster improvements.
Instead of pursuing Samuel, Denver may be better off targeting a young “joker” in the 2025 NFL Draft. Promising prospects like Penn State tight end Tyler Warren and Ohio State running back TreVeyon Henderson could fit Payton’s system while being more cost-effective options.
What’s Next? With Samuel exploring trade options, the 49ers will have to decide whether to move him before his $15.4 million bonus is due on March 22. While several teams may be interested, Denver should weigh its options carefully. Investing in a younger, more affordable playmaker might be the smarter path forward.
The NFL offseason is just getting started, and with big moves like this already making headlines, fans can expect plenty of action in the coming weeks.
The NFL Offseason Begins As the excitement of Super Bowl LIX fades and the confetti is cleared in New Orleans, the NFL world quickly shifts focus to the offseason. With the 2025 NFL Scouting Combine just weeks away and the NFL Draft approaching, teams are already making key roster decisions.
Deebo Samuel Requests Trade from San Francisco 49ers One of the first major offseason headlines revolves around San Francisco 49ers’ star wide receiver, Deebo Samuel. Reports surfaced just before the Super Bowl that Samuel has requested and been granted permission to seek a trade. This move comes as he enters the final season of his three-year contract extension signed in 2022.
The Financial Implications of a Trade Samuel’s contract adds complexity to any potential trade. His current deal carries a base salary of $1.1 million, but due to a restructure last fall, the 49ers would face a $31.55 million dead cap hit if they trade him before June 1. Additionally, he is due a $15.4 million bonus on March 22, which the team may want to avoid if he is not in their plans for the upcoming season.
A Versatile Star with Injury Concerns Samuel is widely regarded as one of the most dynamic offensive players in the league, capable of making plays as both a receiver and a rusher. However, injuries have been a challenge in recent seasons. Since his breakout 2021 campaign, where he posted career-best numbers, he has played in 43 of a possible 51 regular-season games. While durability is a concern, his unique skill set ensures that there will be plenty of interest from teams looking to add a game-changing weapon to their roster.
Potential Landing Spots for Samuel With Samuel now exploring trade options, several teams could be in the mix for his services. Franchises in need of a versatile offensive playmaker, such as the New England Patriots, Baltimore Ravens, or Carolina Panthers, may emerge as potential suitors. His ability to impact the game in multiple ways makes him an attractive option for teams looking to elevate their offensive firepower.
What’s Next? As the offseason unfolds, all eyes will be on how the 49ers handle this situation. Will they find a trade partner willing to meet their demands, or will they attempt to restructure his contract to make it work for another season? With key deadlines approaching, including the March 22 bonus payment, the resolution of Samuel’s future could come sooner rather than later.
The NFL offseason is just getting started, and with big moves like this already making headlines, fans can expect plenty of action in the coming weeks.