Deebo Samuel Trade Rumors Denied by Ravens GM; DeCosta Makes 'The Lorax' Comparison

Baltimore Ravens general manager Eric DeCosta strongly refuted a recent report stating the team inquired about trading for San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Deebo Samuel by making a comparison to The Lorax, a Dr. Seuss book.

DeCosta was referencing a report from NFL insider Jason La Canfora, who made the connection between Baltimore and Samuel but said that it's not happening, "at least for now."

La Canfora fired back at DeCosta after he compared the report to The Lorax, a work of fiction in which a furry, orange creature (The Lorax) defends the destruction of a forest from an evil businessman, Once-ler.

The Ravens should be in the market for a wideout (either via free agency, trade or the draft) after parting ways with Odell Beckham Jr.

The Ravens still have pass-catching threats led by breakout rookie wideout Zay Flowers and star tight end Mark Andrews, but the team could still use more production at wide receiver.

Meanwhile, the 49ers have serious salary cap issues. Per Over the Cap, the team is bottom three in the league in effective cap space (-$7.2 million). The Niners already parted ways with defensive lineman Arik Armstead as a result.

Samuel carries a $28.6 million cap hit in 2024, but Grant Cohn of All 49ers noted that a trade would lead to the 49ers incurring more than $21 million in dead money.

Samuel was one of the NFL's most productive and versatile players in 2021, a year in which he amassed 1,770 total yards and 14 scores. The wide receiver hasn't been close to that form since, although he's also battled injuries that have kept him out for numerous games. He did contribute well for the 49ers last year with 1,117 yards and 12 touchdowns in the regular season.

Based on DeCosta's comments, Samuel doesn't appear likely to become a Raven. For now, he remains a 49er as the defending NFC champions look to rebound from a tough end to the season.