The San Francisco 49ers have been one of the most dynamic and exciting teams in the NFL over the past few seasons, with a roster full of talent and a playoff-ready defense. However, as they continue to chase the elusive Super Bowl title, tough roster decisions loom on the horizon. Two of the biggest questions facing the team are whether the 49ers should pay Brock Purdy, their emerging quarterback, and whether they should trade Deebo Samuel, one of their most explosive playmakers. Both decisions carry weight and have long-term implications for the future of the franchise.

Brock Purdy: The Surprising Star

Brock Purdy’s journey from “Mr. Irrelevant” to starting quarterback for a Super Bowl contender is nothing short of remarkable. After injuries to both Trey Lance and Jimmy Garoppolo, Purdy was thrust into the starting role and delivered a series of impressive performances, leading the 49ers to an NFC Championship appearance in his rookie season.

Purdy’s poise, decision-making, and ability to execute Kyle Shanahan’s offense have made him a fan favorite in San Francisco. His remarkable performance has raised the question: is he the future at quarterback for the 49ers? While he’s shown plenty of promise, the question remains whether his small sample size—coupled with the fact that he played for a loaded team with one of the best defenses in the league—means he can sustain success over a full season or multiple seasons.

Should the 49ers Pay Brock Purdy?

The 49ers are in a unique situation with Purdy. If he’s truly the future, paying him is a no-brainer, especially since his current contract is on a rookie deal. However, if his performances last season were a result of a perfect system, excellent supporting cast, and a small sample size, paying him could be a gamble.

Purdy’s contract situation makes it a little tricky. He’s still in the early stages of his rookie deal, which gives the 49ers financial flexibility. Should they extend him early, it would likely be a risk, given that he has yet to prove himself over a full season. However, locking him in at a relatively low cost compared to other top quarterbacks might be a win for the 49ers, especially if he can continue to perform at a high level.

There’s also the matter of Trey Lance, who has the physical tools and potential but has struggled with injuries and consistency. If the 49ers believe Purdy is the safer option, they may choose to move on from Lance and fully invest in Purdy. But if they believe Lance has the higher ceiling in the long term, they could use Purdy as a trade asset to get more picks or value in return.

Deebo Samuel: The Versatile Weapon

Deebo Samuel is one of the most unique and versatile weapons in the NFL. His ability to line up as both a wide receiver and running back makes him a matchup nightmare for defenses. When healthy, Samuel is one of the most dynamic playmakers on the field, able to take over a game in multiple ways. His physicality, speed, and elusiveness have made him a key piece in the 49ers’ offensive scheme under Shanahan.

However, Samuel has had his fair share of injuries, and his contract situation is another factor to consider. Samuel signed a three-year, $73.5 million extension in 2022, making him one of the highest-paid wide receivers in the league. While he’s a unique talent, the 49ers may have to decide whether his injury history and style of play—where he’s used as both a receiver and a running back—warrant keeping him on such a high-paying contract.

Should the 49ers Trade Deebo Samuel?

The idea of trading Deebo Samuel might seem unthinkable to some fans, but there are legitimate reasons why the 49ers could consider it. Despite his incredible talent, Samuel’s injury history could be a concern moving forward. The 49ers have a deep roster, with other talented players at receiver, including Brandon Aiyuk, and a run-first offense that doesn’t necessarily need one player to dominate the ball in the way Samuel does.

If the 49ers decide to trade Samuel, they would likely command a significant return, as his skill set is highly coveted in the NFL. A trade could open up cap space for the 49ers to address other needs, such as improving the offensive line, bolstering the defense, or bringing in additional depth at quarterback. Additionally, if they believe that other playmakers can step up in Samuel’s absence, moving him might be a way to balance the roster financially and strategically.

However, trading Samuel would also come with risks. The 49ers’ offense is built around his unique ability to be both a playmaker in the passing game and a game-changer in the run game. Moving on from him would change the dynamic of the offense, and it might take time for any new addition to fill his shoes. Moreover, the chemistry between Samuel and Purdy is undeniable, and breaking that up could impact the team’s overall offensive flow.

The 49ers’ Strategy: Balance and Risk

In an ideal world, the 49ers would keep both Brock Purdy and Deebo Samuel, as both players are crucial pieces of a team with championship aspirations. However, the reality of the salary cap and the need to make tough decisions could force the 49ers into difficult choices.

If the 49ers believe Brock Purdy is their long-term quarterback and that he can continue to develop into a reliable starter, paying him now could be a savvy move to lock him in at a relatively low cost. On the flip side, if the 49ers feel that Purdy’s success was mostly a product of the system and supporting cast, they might choose to let him go or trade him for higher draft capital.

When it comes to Deebo Samuel, trading him would be a bold move that could free up cap space and address other roster needs, but it would also be risky, as it would significantly alter the 49ers’ offensive identity. The question becomes whether the 49ers can still be successful without Samuel’s unique skill set or whether they would be better off building around him for the future.

Conclusion

Both Brock Purdy and Deebo Samuel are critical pieces for the San Francisco 49ers, but the team will have to make tough decisions about both in the coming years. Paying Brock Purdy could prove to be a smart long-term investment if the 49ers believe in his ability to be their franchise quarterback. Meanwhile, trading Deebo Samuel would be a hard pill to swallow but could provide financial flexibility and a chance to reshape the roster. Ultimately, the 49ers will need to balance their long-term strategy with their immediate Super Bowl aspirations—and those decisions will be pivotal in determining their success moving forward.