Steelers Connected To 49ers' Deebo Samuel After Adam Schefter's Revealing New Insight

The Pittsburgh Steelers are clearly in the market for a wide receiver. Throughout the 2024 season, it became evident just how reliant the offense was on the brilliance of star receiver George Pickens. When Pickens was sidelined with a hamstring injury, forcing him to miss three games, the Steelers' offense struggled to find its rhythm. It was very obvious just how much the Steelers needed a true upgrade in that room.

As the Steelers look to bolster their receiving corps, the 2025 NFL Draft offers some exciting prospects, but the trade and free agency markets also present intriguing opportunities. Last offseason, Pittsburgh was linked to the San Francisco 49ers in trade rumors involving Brandon Aiyuk, though a deal ultimately didn’t materialize. They were very close to pulling off a major trade. 

Now, the 49ers are back in the conversation as Deebo Samuel has been granted permission to seek a trade. ESPN insider Adam Schefter appeared on The Pat McAfee Show Monday morning, sharing intriguing insights about where Samuel could land next. Schefter acknowledged that there are still many moving pieces that could affect the outcome regarding Samuel's future. However, he did mention Pittsburgh as the first potential landing spot for the dynamic receiver.

"I spoke to Deebo yesterday morning. We didn’t go over the teams just yet," Schefter said. "There are a lot of teams that can use a player like Deebo. Obviously, I think the 49ers did a tremendous job of maximizing his talents… I could see him in Pittsburgh. I could see him in Baltimore. I could see him in a lot of places. Any of those AFC North teams make sense."

Schefter explained that several wide receiver moves are still pending, with much depending on what unfolds in free agency and how teams assess their need for Samuel's services. The Steelers are clearly poised to be in the mix, given their current situation. It will be fascinating to see just how interested Pittsburgh is in the 29-year-old receiver.

Samuel has had a solid career and, at his best, has proven he can be a superstar in this league. However, injuries have hampered his production over the years. He's a versatile player who can also contribute out of the backfield, though his impact in that role has been limited, especially in recent seasons.

Coming off a disappointing 2024 season, Samuel’s production didn’t live up to expectations. With Aiyuk sidelined for the year due to injury, many anticipated Samuel would step up, but in 15 games, he recorded just 51 catches for 670 yards and three touchdowns—a lackluster performance from the 49ers’ wideout. 

Should The Steelers Pursue Deebo Samuel?

The question remains: Should the Steelers aggressively pursue Samuel? After a disappointing season, it's fair to ask why he would perform better in Pittsburgh, especially considering the struggles he had with the 49ers. 

If he couldn’t thrive in a more successful offensive system, why would fans believe he could do better in a potentially weaker one? These are valid concerns. Samuel is not getting any younger, has been inconsistent in his production, and has had trouble staying healthy. All of these factors might suggest the Steelers should look elsewhere.

On the flip side, acquiring Samuel could bring in another veteran presence to complement Pickens, which could make sense in certain scenarios. The decision will largely depend on what the 49ers are asking for and the cost of bringing him in. Steelers fans will be eager to see how the wide receiver market shakes out and what new faces will join the roster ahead of the 2025 season. If the price is right, Schefter wouldn't be shocked to see Samuel end up in the Steel City for the 2025 season.

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