According to sources, the Pittsburgh Steelers declined a trade offer from the San Francisco 49ers involving wide receiver Deebo Samuel. The 49ers’ asking price for Samuel was reportedly too high for the Steelers, who have been actively seeking a veteran wideout.
The 49ers have reportedly considered trading either Samuel or fellow wideout Brandon Aiyuk, who has expressed a desire for a new contract. However, Samuel’s name had not been mentioned in previous trade speculations.
Samuel, 28, is entering the second year of a three-year, $71.55 million extension he signed in 2022. When healthy, he presents significant challenges to defenses due to his versatility. Samuel led the NFL with an 18.2 yards-per-catch average in 2021 and also rushed for eight touchdowns. Last season, he caught seven touchdowns and ran for five more in 15 regular-season games.
A former first-round pick, Aiyuk emerged as an elite receiver last season, catching 75 passes for 1,342 yards and seven touchdowns during the regular season. He added nine receptions for 149 yards and a score in the postseason, including a highlight-reel 51-yard catch in the NFC Championship game that sparked San Francisco’s comeback victory over the Philadelphia Eagles.
