Miami Dolphins Reap the Benefits of the Deebo Samuel Trade Request

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San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Deebo Samuel has requested a trade. This comes after an apparent stall on contract negotiations, as Samuel is in the final year of his deal. Furthermore, it’s been reported that he may have become unhappy with his expanded role last season and the beating he took in it.

Samuel was one of the most productive receivers in the NFL last season, in large part due to his versatility. The self proclaimed “wide back” played a large portion of his snaps out of the backfield. This allowed him to make big plays in both phases, while also opening opportunities for others.

With this larger workload came a desire for a new contract, and while San Francisco reportedly made an offer, Samuel decided that it would be better to request a trade.

Money is not at the root of the issues for Deebo Samuel, otherwise that could be fixed with a big offer. But there are also issues with how he’s used. https://t.co/ZX7dKR2yik

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) April 20, 2022

Could the Miami Dolphins trade for Deebo Samuel?

A majority of the league is expected to have interest, and many were wondering if the Dolphins and head coach Mike McDaniel have interest. McDaniel was Samuel’s offensive coordinator last year, and a reunion may be possible.

However, the Miami Dolphins just traded significant capital for Tyreek Hill. They are also dedicating a significant portion of their cap to receivers. Thus, it’s unlikely Samuel ends up in Miami.

Although, the impact of a potential trade, no matter the destination, benefits the Dolphins greatly.

Miami’s Draft Capital

Miami holds the 49ers draft pick next season, which looks to be in limbo. San Francisco has yet to name a starting quarterback between Jimmy Garoppolo and Trey Lance. Lance showed high potential in limited starts, but was unable to win the job last year. Garoppolo, on the other hand, helped the offense operate at a high level, but couldn’t step up in big moments.

Samuel was a large part of both of the quarterback’s success, and a potential trade would hinder them greatly. The ability to get the ball to someone as prolific as Samuel was a large part of the Shanahan system, and it may be gone soon.

The 49ers’ Flaws

On top of that, the 49ers receiving corps lacks the depth of an elite unit. Brandon Aiyuk has been inconsistent over his first two seasons, and their number two receiver has 282 career yards. While they do have George Kittle, this system lacks the perimeter play-makers to attack all areas of the field. This would only get worse if they decide to move on from the unhappy Samuel.

Their injuries are just as big of an issue. Over the last several years, San Francisco has been one of the most injury-prone teams in the NFL. Key starters such as Nick Bosa, Trent Williams, and Javon Kinlaw all have major injury history. If this were to persist, it may be too much to overcome.

Win-Now Mode

Miami, on the other hand, is trending in the opposite direction. Their rebuild seems to be ahead of schedule, and they look to win big this season. However, they still have two first round picks next year, and one of those was acquired in Miami’s trade back with San Francisco. If these potential struggles were to manifest themselves, the value of that pick will continue to rise. Miami would have a variety of options.

Five teams already have two first-rounders for 2023 …

• Detroit (LA Rams)
• Houston (Cleveland)
• Miami (San Francisco)
• Philadelphia (New Orleans)
• Seattle (Denver)

Hard to say how strong the '23 QB class will be. But Bryce Young and CJ Stroud give it early promise.

— Albert Breer (@AlbertBreer) April 5, 2022

The potential to move up for a key play-maker, add another key veteran via trade, or find Tua Tagovailoa’s replacement if he doesn’t work out are all viable scenarios for a 49ers pick that could feasibly be in the top half if Deebo is dealt.

The Bottom Line on Deebo Samuel and the Miami Dolphins

While it would be exciting to see the explosive wide receiver in aqua and orange, it’s unlikely Deebo Samuel joins the Miami Dolphins. With their current receiver room, dealing their draft capital simply doesn’t make sense.

However, it’s clear that Miami will still benefit if Samuel is traded elsewhere. The 2023 first round pick was quite the steal to only move down three picks and select Jaylen Waddle, and it’s value is only growing. If Samuel is the next domino to fall in this all-time offseason, it could become a hot commodity.

It’s unknown what Miami’s needs will be next year, but it will be exciting to see how they fill them with that much more valuable San Francisco pick.

**This Article was originally published on ATB Network by Tyler DeSena***

Hussam Patel is a Miami Dolphins contributor and Lead NFL Draft analyst at Five Reasons Sports Network, Director of Scouting at PhinManiacs and Editor at Dolphins ATB. Follow him on Twitter at @HussamPatel

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