Sergio Estrada-Imagn Images

Deebo Samuel Calls Out Fake Quote After Trade Request

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Ryan Aston | Last updated Feb 22, 2025 1:12 PM ET

Surprising or not, San Francisco 49ers fans were shaken following the revelation earlier this month that star wide receiver Deebo Samuel's latest trade request will be honored by the team.

The 29-year-old told ESPN on Feb. 9 that the 49ers had granted him and agent Tory Dandy permission to find a trade sending him out of Northern California. Samuel had expressed his desire to begin a new chapter during his exit meeting with head coach Kyle Shanahan the previous month.

In the wake of the trade request, though, Samuel finds himself none too pleased with quotes that are being attributed to him via social media.

On Friday, the 2021 First-Team All-Pro selection responded to a fake report circulating on X, which credited Samuel with saying, “When you’re the best player in the locker room, that’s a problem.”

Samuel quoted the gag in a response post, writing, "Like what’s wrong with yall folks… like I said folks make any story for clicks. Carry on!!! Not once said this!"

Like what’s wrong with yall folks… like I said folks make any story for clicks. Carryon!!!
Not once said this! https://t.co/n92D8Wqbxy
— Deebo (@19problemz) February 22, 2025

In truth, Samuel expressed his thanks to the 49ers organization amid his trade request.

"It was a hard conversation to have with Kyle because of the relationship that we have," Samuel told ESPN's Adam Schefter at the time. "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 had appeared to be bracing itself for Samuel's exit recently, inking WRs Jauan Jennings and Brandon Aiyuk to contract extensions and selecting Ricky Pearsall in the 2024 NFL draft.

Samuel appeared in 15 games for the 49ers last season, hauling in 51 receptions for 670 yards with three touchdown catches. His on-field impact has been muted since the South Carolina product amassed 77 receptions and 1,405 yards during a career year in 2021.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: