Deebo Samuel has never played for an NFL team outside of the San Francisco 49ers, but that might change for the 2025 campaign.

ESPN's Adam Schefter reported Sunday the NFC West team gave the wide receiver permission to seek a trade after Samuel requested one during his exit meeting following the 2024 season.

"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."

This comes after NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reported San Francisco was "expected to explore trading" the 2019 second-round pick and that "both sides appear to be at peace with moving on if it goes that way."

Samuel also made headlines in December when he said in a since-deleted social-media post, per Kevin Patra of NFL.com, "Not struggling at all, just not getting the ball!"

He also said, "You read what you read. [I'm] a little frustrated for sure."

Samuel has been with the 49ers since they drafted him in 2019, and he helped lead the team to two Super Bowls during his tenure. However, this past season was a disappointing one, as the team went 6-11 and finished in last place in the division.

He also tallied 51 catches for 670 yards and three touchdowns as his numbers dropped across the board from his 60 catches for 892 yards and seven touchdowns during the 2023 campaign. His career-best season came when he was a Pro Bowler in 2021 with 77 catches for 1,405 yards and six touchdowns in addition to 365 yards and eight scores on the ground as a rusher.

From San Francisco's perspective, it surely would have preferred to see better production since Brandon Aiyuk was limited to just seven games in 2024.

It also might have taken steps toward life after Samuel by signing Aiyuk to an extension and drafting Ricky Pearsall in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft ahead of the most recent campaign.

Yet a potential Samuel trade means another team will have the chance to land an impact receiver who is still just 29 years old. He can impact the game as a pass-catcher or runner and may be motivated to further prove himself with a change of scenery.