Ex-Jets Scout: New York Must Trade For Deebo Samuel

This former Jets scout implores New York to trade for Deebo Samuel, taking this offense to the next level.

Author:
Daniel Kelly
Publish date:
Apr 11, 2022 9:45 AM EDT

In this story:

New York Jets

I love Deebo Samuel.

As a former Jets’ scout, New York needs to do everything in their power to make a trade for the disgruntled 49ers’ superstar.

If San Francisco does not want to show Samuel the financial appreciation his performance demands, then New York needs to.

That is my message to Jets’ ownership.

Last season alone as a receiver, Samuel hauled in 77 receptions (121 targets), 1,405 yards (ranked fifth), with a long of 83 yards and six touchdowns through the air.

That is not all.

Samuel also added 59 carries as a rusher for 365 yards (6.2 avg.) and another 8 touchdowns.

That is 1,770 combined yards and 14 touchdowns for this “wide back,” as he has been called (the guy is so good they came up with a new name for a position).

As the MVP of San Francisco’s offense in 2021, Samuel rebounded nicely (played in 19/20 games) from injuries that caused him to miss playing time in previous seasons (Deebo is predicted to miss 2.70 games in 2022 due to injury by draftsharks.com).

Samuel can do it all. He can line up at wide receiver, as a running back and at tight-end. He can even return kicks when called upon. Samuel is a pure football player who could have played in any era, even back when they wore leather helmets.

Have the stars aligned perfectly for the Jets?

Here are the factors to consider:

Samuel has scrubbed the 49ers off of his social media.
Samuel has asked to become the highest paid non-quarterback in the NFL after receivers Devante Adams, Tyreke Hill and Stefon Diggs all scored huge deals.
Jets’ Head Coach Robert Saleh used to be 49ers’ Head Coach Kyle Shanahan’s Defensive Coordinator.
The Jets have two first-round, two second-round and two fourth-round picks in the upcoming draft. The 49ers do not have a first-round pick this year or next year, due to the trade they made last year so they could move up to select Trey Lance.
Jets’ quarterback Zach Wilson desperately needs an explosive offensive weapon who can gain additional yardage after short passes and who can better adjust to his deep ball.
The Jets must do something like this if they have any hope of being competitive in the AFC East this season.

All factors equal win-win for both organizations.

What would a possible deal look like?

It might look similar to what Miami gave up for Hill. The Dolphins’ sent a first, second and fourth round selection in 2022. Plus, fourth and sixth round picks in 2023 to the Chiefs.

Is it worth it?

In a heartbeat.

Should the New York Jets Trade For San Francisco 49ers WR Deebo Samuel?

This former Jets scout thinks New York should do whatever it takes to trade for wide receiver Deebo Samuel this offseason.

Grading Deebo Samuel

San Francisco 49ers WR Deebo Samuel runs after catch — Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

6-foot-0, 215 pounds

2021 game film reviewed: (9/12) DET, (12/23) TEN and (1/22) GB

Grade: A (Blue-chip player and elite)

Scouting Report

San Francisco 49ers WR Deebo Samuel runs with football — Stan Szeto-USA TODAY Sports

A dynamic and highly competitive game changer who shows good speed and burst both as a running back and as a wide receiver. Drives corners off hard, which gives him the ability to easily create throwing windows with routes that feature a break point. Showed burst at break point (which creates even more separation). Struggled to create separation on straight-line routes. Excels at short and intermediate slants from either side of the formation. Generally, creates huge throwing windows. Excels on shallow crossing routes. Shows confidence in strong looking hands. Plucks ball. Phenomenal ability to pick up YAC (yards after catch) at any route level. Excels on short bubble screens. Great balance. Decent, but not great catch radius (struggled on balls thrown behind him and low). Good on passes thrown high. Excellent ball tracking skills deep and showed ability to adjust back to under-throw against DET. Marginal run blocker. Tough when he is lined up in the backfield. No fear of contact banging it up inside (see GB). Can pick up good gains as a RB. Biggest negative overall in these three games was he fumbled once and he fumbled two other times (ruled down by contact). Showed emotion. Plays like football is important to him. Heart of the team.

Bottom Line

If you are a Jets fan, can you imagine still having a pick in the first five rounds of the draft, plus Samuel?

This soon could be the Jets’ reality.

After all, the Jets were recently reported to have made an offer for Hill, D.K. Metcalf and also put in a call about the Texans’ receiver Brandin Cooks.

Clearly, they are in the market.