"Other teams, including the Steelers and Broncos, have also checked in, but Houston and Washington are believed to be the most aggressive," Schultz added.
Meanwhile, Chris Tomasson of the Denver Gazette reported that the Broncos shouldn't be considered a realistic landing spot for Samuel.
"Indications at the combine have been that the Broncos are not interested in acquiring Samuel, 29, who would command a big contract in a deal," wrote Tomasson.
However, Texans head coach DeMeco Ryans appears more open to the idea of adding the veteran receiver.
"Deebo — I've seen him up close. I know he's an impact player," Ryans told Matt Barrows of The Athletic. "Interested? Yeah, but it's always teams can be interested, but how does it look, how does the contract (look), all those things? But definitely interested in him."
Samuel requested a trade during January's exit interviews, and the 49ers have permitted him to explore options.
"He's asked for a fresh start, and I think we're going to honor that," general manager John Lynch said this week at the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis.
A trade presents financial challenges for San Francisco. Moving Samuel would force the team to absorb a significant salary-cap hit, making it more costly than simply keeping him for the final year of his contract. A more practical option could be releasing him with a post-June 1 designation—something other NFL teams know well.
Samuel's stock has dipped since his breakout 2021 season, when he totaled 1,770 scrimmage yards and 14 touchdowns. This past season, he managed just 806 scrimmage yards and four touchdowns—his lowest output outside of an injury-shortened 2020 campaign.
More San Francisco 49ers News
-
49ers WR Brandon Aiyuk's Commanders hopes take hit after Stefon Diggs signing
The Washington Commanders were expected to add a veteran wide receiver to bolster their offense in 2026, and San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk was convinced that opportunity would be his. However, those expectations may need a significant adjustment after NFL... -
49ers coach outlines Deebo Samuel's workload plan for 2026
The San Francisco 49ers' decision to reunite with wide receiver Deebo Samuel on a one-year deal makes sense. There is plenty of familiarity between Samuel and the organization, allowing him to quickly get back up to speed with his teammates during training camp. However,... -
49ers mailbag: Will Deebo Samuel start? How much will Stribling and Height contribute? How has Brock Purdy looked?
The San Francisco 49ers are in their second week of training camp. There have already been several injuries, but there have also been a lot of good things, too. It should be a fun season. We opened the 49ers Webzone Mailbag this week to find out what was on your mind. Let's... -
49ers WR Deebo Samuel's one-year contract includes intriguing incentive details
Last week, it was widely reported that San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Deebo Samuel signed a one-year contract worth up to $7 million, reuniting with the team that drafted him in 2019. As is often the case with NFL contracts, however, the initial reported value doesn't tell...