Deebo Samuel Reacts to NFL Trade Rumors, 49ers Drafting Pearsall: 'I'm Chilling'

Amid trade rumors surrounding wide receiver Deebo Samuel, the San Francisco 49ers drafted wide receiver Ricky Pearsall in the first round of the NFL draft Thursday.

There were also reports Thursday night that San Francisco is more likely to trade Samuel than his co-star, Brandon Aiyuk.

Given the situation, Pearsall could serve as Samuel's replacement. Per The Athletic's Dianna Russini, Samuel isn't worried about a trade at the moment.

"I know what's going on," Samuel said. "But it is what it is. I'm good staying with them. I'm chilling."

Since recording his only 1,000+ receiving yard season in 2021, Samuel notched 632 yards and two touchdowns in 2022 and 892 receiving yards and seven touchdowns in 2023. He has All-Pro level talent, but is still looking to get over the hump and be more consistent year in and year out.

While trade rumors have swirled throughout San Francisco regarding Samuel and Aiyuk, 49ers general manager John Lynch said after drafting Pearsall that keeping the two on the team is still a priority, per ESPN's Nick Wagoner.

"I know that we're continuing to have positive talks with [Aiyuk] and we are really efforting to get something done with him," Lynch said. "We're excited about continuing down that path and Brandon being a part of this team.

"Deebo is a part of this team and a big part of this team. We feel great about that group and we feel like we just made it better with another really good addition to it, who complements the group real well."

Taking Pearsall in the first round will add to further speculation about whether Samuel or Aiyuk will be on their way out, but San Francisco could keep both to bolster an already strong offense.