WR Deebo Samuel has been given the opportunity to replace Brandon Aiyuk.

Deebo Samuel’s future with the 49ers is uncertain due to increasing roster expenses.

Numerous uncertain X-factors surround Deebo Samuel’s future with the Niners.

The 2024 season could be the final one where the San Francisco 49ers’ leading wide receivers, Brandon Aiyuk and Deebo Samuel, share the field together.

Alternatively, it might have already occurred if the Niners decide to trade Aiyuk amid his contract-extension impasse, as rumors of a potential trade have resurfaced once more.

San Francisco could also secure Aiyuk with a long-term deal despite an increasingly costly roster and the anticipated lucrative contract for quarterback Brock Purdy in 2025.

However, this situation adds uncertainty for Samuel.

Since his first-team All-Pro season in 2021, which earned him a substantial contract extension the following offseason, the 28-year-old Samuel has posted solid numbers. Yet, these efforts haven’t matched the level required to command top dollar in the open market.

However, Samuel’s presence on the field as both a receiver and a rusher has significantly enhanced head coach Kyle Shanahan’s offense, a fact the 49ers undoubtedly appreciate.

Therefore, while Samuel could potentially become a cap casualty due to the team’s increasing roster expenses, it’s equally likely that he will remain a cornerstone of the team for the foreseeable future.

What is Deebo Samuel’s current contract with the 49ers?

Samuel is under contract with San Francisco for two more years and is set to become a free agent in 2026.

According to Over the Cap, his cap hits for 2024 and 2025 are $28.6 million and $24.2 million, respectively.

However, if the 49ers decide to trade or release Samuel with a post-June 1 designation next offseason, they could save $17.57 million in cap space against a manageable $6.63 million in dead money. This move would help facilitate Purdy’s eventual extension and assist in getting below the 2025 salary cap, with OTC currently projecting the Niners to be $38.9 million over the cap next year.

Samuel could also agree to a pay cut, though this seems unlikely, adding to the list of potential outcomes.

What are the X-factors affecting Deebo Samuel’s future? Retaining both Aiyuk and Samuel long term is a luxury San Francisco may not afford. The 49ers might maximize the duo’s tenure, but it’s likely nearing its end.

The biggest X-factor is Purdy’s contract extension. His low-cost rookie deal allowed the Niners to invest elsewhere on the roster, but this won’t be possible in a year or two, necessitating cost-cutting measures.

This situation partly explains the lack of a deal for Aiyuk, creating another X-factor: Will San Francisco commit to Aiyuk long term, let him play out his contract before hitting free agency in 2025, or use the franchise tag, which is costly and might force the 49ers to trade Samuel?

Additionally, there’s rookie wide receiver Ricky Pearsall. Pearsall, the Niners’ top pick from the 2024 NFL Draft, is seen as a long-term successor to either Samuel or Aiyuk. However, his development is still in its early stages, making it a “wait and see” situation.

If Pearsall shows signs of thriving, it could hasten the departure of Samuel and/or Aiyuk from San Francisco.

There are many variables yet to unfold, making this uncertainty unavoidable.