If a genuine trade market for Deebo Samuel exists, the 49ers may have a path to recouping draft capital before his eventual departure. However, if the trade talks prove to be more smoke than fire, the likelihood of his release increases.

ESPN’s Dan Graziano presented in a column the question of what happens if the 49ers can’t trade Samuel. He detailed the timeline and why the best course of action may be a release of the 2019 second-round pick.