Reports: Bills Patriots bidding 49ers WR Deebo Samuel

Reports indicate the 49ers could get a first-round pick for Deebo Samuel. Patriots and Bills are top contenders in trade talks.

Trade discussions involving wide receiver Deebo Samuel of the San Francisco 49ers have the potential to yield a first-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, as per various reports. The Buffalo Bills and New England Patriots emerged as key players in the negotiations leading up to the second round of the 2024 draft on Friday, per NFL Network and The Athletic.

According to reports, the Patriots and 49ers had talks regarding Samuel and Brandon Aiyuk during the NFL Scouting Combine, but were unable to agree on compensation. The Bills recently traded away their top wide receiver Stefon Diggs to the Houston Texans and currently hold the No. 33 pick in the draft on Friday after trading back twice on Thursday.

General manager John Lynch expressed that he does not foresee a scenario where Aiyuk would be traded, as the wide receiver is seeking a long-term deal with San Francisco. Despite this, there is speculation whether Samuel could become available following the 49ers' selection of Florida wide receiver Ricky Pearsall in the first round.

Lynch emphasized Samuel's importance to the team, while head coach Kyle Shanahan acknowledged that trade discussions have taken place but a trade involving a wide receiver is unlikely. However, Shanahan mentioned that he is open to the possibility if the right offer is presented to team owner Jed York and Lynch.