The Pittsburgh Steelers reportedly made an attempt to land San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Deebo Samuel in a trade over the week of the 2024 NFL Draft, and one analyst thinks they should keep trying to trade for the star slot receiver.
For what it's worth, I'm told the Steelers had interest in trading for Deebo Samuel but were unwilling to meet the 49ers' price…
— Michael Silver (@MikeSilver) April 27, 2024
Silver added in another post that a Samuel trade to any team is still possible, but not likely to happen tonight or tomorrow. It is not clear what kind of a trade package the 49ers were looking for. However, Dan Orlovksy believes that the Steelers should really acquire Samuel despite the reported high cost.
The @steelers should try and trade for Deebo
— Dan Orlovsky (@danorlovsky7) April 29, 2024
Samuel told Dianna Russini of The Athletic that he was aware of what had been going on, but said he plans to remain a member of the team that selected him in the 2019 NFL Draft.
Russini reported on Thursday that the 49ers had discussions with teams to trade Brandon Aiyuk or Samuel to move up in the 2024 NFL Draft. Aiyuk has been linked to the Steelers for most of the offseason, though that was the first report that Samuel was also being shopped by the 49ers.
The 49ers selected Florida wide receiver Ricky Pearsall with the No. 31 overall pick in the first round, and have yet to sign restricted free agent Jauan Jennings.
The 49ers have been asking for a first-round pick in exchange for Aiyuk, who is seeking a new contract for around $25 million per year. General manager John Lynch has been steadfast in saying that he does not want to trade the star receiver.
The Steelers have been searching for help at wide receiver since trading Diontae Johnson to the Carolina Panthers earlier this offseason, but have been unable to make a deal with the 49ers or any other teams for a receiver to play opposite George Pickens.