The San Francisco 49ers are coming off one of the most disappointing years in recent memory. It wasn’t just one thing that derailed the season, and the team certainly has more things to address after already making changes to the coaching staff.

Brock Purdy is ready to make some money after finally playing through his economical rookie deal, but can the team afford him?

Maybe, with some creative cap navigation that might include dumping some salaries and trading some expensive players.

One of the biggest salary hits for the 49ers is wideout Deebo Samuel, who signed a three-year, $71 million deal in 2022. His cap hit next year is $15 million, and TWSN’s Blake Meek thinks the team could dump him off in the AFC North with the Steelers.

“Deebo is going into the last year of his deal with the 49ers and you have to think he won’t be back after the 2025 season one way or another. Deebo had one of his worst years as a pro for the 49ers this past season and the writing is on the wall for his exit,” wrote Meek. “One team that needs to bring in a receiver for next season is the Pittsburgh Steelers.

“They have their own issues with one of their top receivers not performing and really need to upgrade the rest of their receiving core. That’s why the San Francisco 49ers will trade Deebo Samuel to the Pittsburgh Steelers.”

The Steelers were linked to the 49ers last offseason when trade talks were rumored concerning Brandon Aiyuk, and we may see the same happening this summer with Samuel being the topic.