Deebo Samuel (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
As the San Francisco 49ers explore trade options with at least one of their star receivers, the New England Patriots had some interest in Deebo Samuel before the start of the 2024 NFL draft, as reported by Josina Anderson.

Per CBS Sports’ Josina Anderson, the Patriots and 49ers had “preliminary discussions” about Deebo Samuel on Thursday.

On Thursday, the 49ers selected Florida WR Ricky Pearsall in round one, which will only add to trade speculation involving one of their star receivers. Aiyuk and Pearsall played together at Arizona State in 2019.

New England carries a WR need going into Day 2 of the draft, having missed out on Calvin Ridley in free agency.

The 49ers wanted a mid-first-round pick for Aiyuk, who is two years younger than his teammate, so we are currently still determining what the going price would be for Samuel. Lynch and Shanahan acknowledged that there had been discussions with other teams, but while Lynch said no deals came close to happening, Shanahan said a trade of Aiyuk or fellow wideout Deebo Samuel never seemed likely, per ESPN.com.

According to Spotrac.com, if the 49ers trade Deebo Samuel, the team that acquires him will have two years and $52.8 million remaining on a three-year deal he signed before the 2023 season.

The 49ers Are More Likely To Trade Deebo Samuel After First-Round Draft Selection

Mike Silver reports that the 49ers are now anticipated to trade Deebo Samuel instead of Brandon Aiyuk. Samuel’s sale is “likely” because the 49ers selected wide receiver Ricky Pearsall in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft.

Samuel being traded could lead to a second-round pick or a third-round pick while simultaneously freeing up roughly $7 million.

The 28-year-old had 60 catches for 892 yards and a touchdown last season.