Kittle admits 49ers 'can't really replace Deebo' as trade looms
San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle believes that losing Deebo Samuel will require the team to rework its offense for the 2025 season as a trade for the wideout looms.
"You can't really replace Deebo. I think he's one of the most unique players in the NFL because of what he can do. Well, one, he's the greatest, best (yards-after-catch) guy besides myself," Kittle said on USA Today's "Seriously Sports."
"The fact that you can line him up in the slot, out wide, in the backfield and do all the fun stuff with him, and he breaks tackles, he runs like a running back, and he has the burst, he has the speed, he has the agility to get away from guys too. He's just such a unique player."
Kittle added: "I don't think you can really replace him. We're just going to have to build our offense a little bit differently because we don't have that available to us."
San Francisco reportedly permitted Samuel to seek a trade after the veteran asked to be dealt during the team's exit meetings. The 29-year-old has been with the 49ers since being drafted in the second round.
"It was a hard conversation to have with Kyle (Shanahan) because of the relationship that we have," Samuel said. "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."
The South Carolina product is coming off a disappointing season, totaling 806 yards on 93 touches in 15 games. Samuel's four touchdowns are the fewest of his career since 2020, when he only suited up in seven contests.
Samuel has one season remaining on a three-year, $73.5-million contract extension signed in 2022. He's scheduled to carry a $15.8-million cap hit next campaign and have a $33-million hit attached to a 2026 void year, according to Over The Cap.
"Deebo's a hell of a football player. I've loved being his teammate, I've loved sharing the field with him, I've loved going to war with him," Kittle said.
"If that is what happens and he gets traded, I'll be very sad. But at the same time, I'm always happy for guys to get opportunities, and that's all you can ask for in the NFL."
Samuel has 5,935 total yards and 42 touchdowns in 81 career games.