Deebo Samuel: 3 logical trade destinations

Dec 19, 2021; Santa Clara, California, USA; San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Deebo Samuel (19) runs with the ball for a touchdown during the second quarter against the Atlanta Falcons at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Stan Szeto-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 19, 2021; Santa Clara, California, USA; San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Deebo Samuel (19) runs with the ball for a touchdown during the second quarter against the Atlanta Falcons at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Stan Szeto-USA TODAY Sports
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Deebo Samuel
Aug 22, 2021; Inglewood, California, USA; San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Deebo Samuel (19) carries the ball for a short gain before he is stopped by Los Angeles Chargers defensive tackle Cortez Broughton (91) in the first half of the game at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports

Deebo Samuel destination No. 1: Los Angeles Chargers

The Los Angeles Chargers are in a completely different situation than both the Atlanta Falcons and Kansas City Chiefs. While the Falcons and Chiefs have a huge portion of their salary cap tied to a quarterback (for Kansas City, at least their plays for their team), the Chargers are still paying theirs very little based on what he provides them.

Justin Herbert is entering year three as a pro, meaning he’s playing on his rookie deal and will count for just over $7 million this season. That’s a bargain considering he’s already mentioned among some of the best passers in today’s game.

Los Angeles could use this time to really go all-in for a title. They already brought in Khalil Mack to help the pass rush, and still have roughly $18 million to spend. They could decide to use some of that money – they would still need to make some moves to get this to work – to pay Samuel.

Also unlike the other teams mentioned, this wouldn’t be filling a massive need. L.A. already has Mike Williams and Keenan Allen, so they’re good in the passing game but adding Samuel as a player who can line up in the slot and the backfield would only make them more dangerous.

There will be shootouts in the AFC this season and the Chargers would be able to win more than their fair share should Deebo Samuel be added to the mix.