The San Francisco 49ers have allowed star wider receiver Deebo Samuel to seek a trade to a new team. Samuel appeared to receive a diminished role towards the end of the season, and it appears he is seeking to play for a new team.

The bombshell report has now been followed up by a statement from Samuel himself.

Adam Schefter revealed the statement that Samuel revealed following the trade request.

"It was a hard conversation to have with Kyle (Shanahan) because of the relationship that we have," Samuel said today. "But I have to do what's best. I'm more than thankful for the Niners giving me the opportunity of a lifetime, but now I think it's best that we find another team."

Samuel states the difficulty in telling 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan that he wished to be traded but realized it was the best for his career moving forward. Before the struggles in the 2024 season, Samuel was one of the most dynamic dual-threat receivers in the league.

Samuel should find many suitors in the coming days and weeks, especially considering the way he has been used in the rushing and pass-catching game.

Some of the teams that Samuel could garner interest from could be the New England Patriots, Cincinnati Bengals (if they let Tee Higgins walk), Atlanta Falcons, and many more.

Samuel has spent his entire six-season career with the 49ers. Despite missing only two game due to injury in 2024, he was beginning to have a down year in terms of production. He secured 670 receiving yards, three touchdowns, 136 rushing yards, and one touchdown in 2024.

This production is a significant drop for Samuel, who secured 892 receiving yards, seven touchdowns, 225 rushing yards, and five touchdowns.

The 49ers struggled in 2024, ending the season with a 6-11 record. This is a far cry from appearing in the Super Bowl in 2023. San Francisco was pegged to return to the big show, but that was not the case.

The 49ers dealt with plenty of adversity. Samuel, George Kittle, and Brandon Aiyuk dealt with injuries during the regular season. Aiyuk, unlike the others, suffered a season-ending ACL tear.

With these issues and more, the team couldn't quite get going in 2024. Now, they will face the 2025 season without Samuel. Things will get interesting for the team heading into free agency.

For more on the 49ers, head to Newsweek Sports .

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