NFL Rumors: Seahawks Eyed Deebo Samuel in 2019 Draft Before Raiders Reneged on Trade
Deebo Samuel could've been a Seahawk
Wide receiver Deebo Samuel burst onto the scene as a versatile playmaker for the San Francisco 49ers in 2021, earning All-Pro and Pro Bowl honors for his dynamic performance. However, Samuel's NFL journey could have taken a different path if things had played out differently during the 2019 NFL Draft.Seahawks had their eyes on Samuel
According to a recent report by NFL insider Aaron Wilson, the Seattle Seahawks were interested in drafting Samuel in the second round of the 2019 NFL Draft. They targeted Samuel with the 56th overall pick. However, the Seahawks' plan was disrupted when the Oakland Raiders traded up two spots to select Samuel at No. 54.Raiders renege on trade
The Raiders' decision to select Samuel came after a reported trade agreement with the Seahawks fell through. The Seahawks reportedly agreed to trade down two spots with the Raiders, allowing Oakland to draft Samuel at No. 54, while Seattle would have moved back to No. 56 and acquired additional draft capital. However, the Raiders reneged on the agreement at the last minute, leaving the Seahawks without Samuel.Samuel's impact on the 49ers
Samuel has become a cornerstone of the 49ers' offense since joining the team via the draft in 2019.He has amassed 1,770 receiving yards and 14 touchdowns in his career. Additionally, Samuel has rushed for 502 yards and eight touchdowns.
He led the NFL in yards per touch in 2021 with an average of 9.6 yards per touch according to Pro Football Network. Samuel also finished the season with a league-leading 18.2 yards per reception, per the NFL's official website.
Samuel played a key role in the 49ers' run to the NFC Championship Game during the 2021 NFL season. He caught 77 passes for 1,405 yards and six touchdowns. He also rushed for 365 yards and eight touchdowns.
The Seahawks, on the other hand, have struggled to find a consistent wide receiver since trading away Tyler Lockett in 2020. They have cycled through several players, including David Moore, Freddie Swain, and Penny Hart, but they have yet to find a reliable target for quarterback Geno Smith.
If the Seahawks had been able to acquire Samuel in 2019, he could have filled that void and potentially helped them compete for a playoff spot. However, the Raiders' decision to renege on the trade agreement ultimately cost the Seahawks a valuable playmaker.
