The 49ers have invested heavily in their receiving corps this offseason, drafting Ricky Pearsall, extending Jauan Jennings, and signing Brandon Aiyuk to a lucrative deal, potentially leaving Deebo Samuel as the odd man out.
Samuel's contract includes a substantial option bonus, and the 49ers must decide on it early in the league year, possibly leaving them no choice but to trade or release him.
If the 49ers release Samuel as a post-June 1 cut, they can spread the salary cap hit over two years, which makes it a more favorable option than a trade.
The way contracts are structured in the NFL means the team may face a significant dead-money charge in 2025 if they trade Samuel before the decision on his option bonus.