The Denver Broncos may not have a pressing need at wide receiver, but a player like Deebo Samuel becoming available could spark interest.
Denver Broncos general manager George Paton has said in the past that he would be “in on every deal” so it stands to reason that he might ask what it would take to get disgruntled wide receiver Deebo Samuel out of San Francisco and into orange and blue.
This is a total long shot, of course. The Denver Broncos don’t have first-round picks in the 2022 or 2023 NFL Draft but they do have some capital and they do have players they could dangle in a potential trade if acquiring Samuel was considered internally to be a move that would enhance the team’s chances at winning a Super Bowl.
So what kind of offer, absent a first-round pick in either of the next two drafts, would tempt the 49ers? Why would the Broncos even attempt to acquire him?
Let’s take a look at some scenarios and have some fun talking through the possibilities, even if they are remote.
Trade idea no. 1: Trade the best picks you still have
Broncos get:
- WR Deebo Samuel
49ers get:
- 64th pick
- 75th pick
- 2024 1st-round pick
I’m putting this one first because I think it’s the least likely one the 49ers would be interested in. The Broncos don’t have a first-round pick in 2022 or 2023 because of the Russell Wilson trade, but who really cares? They have Russell Wilson.
Deebo Samuel is 26 years old and could command a contract worth $25 million annually. As steep as that seems, that’s the going rate for receivers these days and it’s only going to get worse.
Imagine what kind of contract Jerry Jeudy could command in a few years if he ends up becoming a star with Wilson under center.
Three years from now, $25 million per year will probably put Deebo Samuel somewhere in the top 20 (or more), not the top 5 at his position.
Financially, who really cares what it would cost to re-sign a player like this? First of all, you’d be getting one of the most unique offensive weapons in the league.
Beyond that, you already have your quarterback in place, and with Russell Wilson in place, you’re officially in win-at-any-cost mode.
The good news for the Broncos is, the alternative of what’s already on the roster is still good and for many it’s even preferable.
Still, the opportunity to acquire a player of Samuel’s caliber is somewhat unique, although this offseason would seem to indicate otherwise with Tyreek Hill and Davante Adams both being traded.