Samuel requested a trade away from the team in his end-of-season meeting with head coach Kyle Shanahan – which the Niners are willing to see through.

‘It was a hard conversation to have with Kyle because of the relationship that we have,’ Samuel said. ‘But I have to do what’s best.

‘I’m more than thankful for the Niners giving me the opportunity of a lifetime but now I think it’s best that we find another team.’

San Francisco drafted a wide receiver last season (Ricky Pearsall) and signed long-term extensions to two other pass catchers (Jauan Jennings and Brandon Aiyuk).

Now, the Niners are going to look to send him elsewhere – and this isn’t the first time the team has considered moving him.

Samuel demanded a trade back in 2022 in the midst of a contract dispute, but he ultimately signed a three-year deal. The Niners also listened to offers for both Samuel and Aiyuk while the latter receiver was also looking for a new deal.

Unfortunately for the Niners, Samuel is coming off a down year (51 catches, 670 yards, three touchdowns).

That means an expected return would likely be low. According to ESPN’s Nick Wagoner, San Francisco might be forced to take a Day 3 (Rounds 5-7) draft pick and possibly another late-round pick to get him off their books.

As for which teams may take him, ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler mentioned the Washington Commanders, the Pittsburgh Steelers, and the Houston Texans.

Samuel, the 36th overall pick in the 2019 NFL Draft, has totaled 4,792 receiving yards and 22 touchdowns across his career.

He was named a first-team All-Pro receiver in the 2021 season when he caught 77 passes for 1,405 yards and six touchdowns.

But since then, Samuel hasn’t caught more than 900 yards in a season.