Why 2024 Could be Deebo Samuel's Final Season with the 49ers

Technically, the 49ers can afford to overpay Samuel for one more season, because they're spending next to nothing on the most expensive position -- quarterback.

The most overpaid player on the 49ers roster right now is Deebo Samuel and it's not even close.

It was Arik Armstead before the 49ers released -- he was scheduled to take up more than $28 million of the 49ers' salary cap this season. Now he's on the Jaguars, and Deebo Samuel has taken the title of most overpaid player on the team, considering he will take up more than $28 million of the 49ers' cap space next season. That's almost 10 percent, which is quarterback money.

Technically, the 49ers can afford to overpay Samuel for one more season, because they're spending next to nothing on the most expensive position -- quarterback. But next year, they'll have to give a massive contract extension to Brock Purdy, most likely making him the highest-paid player in the NFL. And then they won't be able to justify Samuel's contract anymore.

Samuel is a luxury at this point in his career. He's not a No. 1 wide receiver anymore, and he's not a running back, either. He's an extremely expensive No. 2 wide receiver who misses games every year and will be 29 next season.

Samuel used to be the focal point of the 49ers offense, but he's not anymore. The foundation of the passing game is the connection between Brock Purdy and Brandon Aiyuk, and that won't change any time soon.

So in 2025, don't be surprised if the 49ers trade Deebo Samuel and free up more than $9 million in salary cap space. He won't have any guaranteed money left on his deal at that point, so trading him would be easy.

And remember, he requested a trade a few years ago, so the 49ers simply would be giving him what he wants.