San Francisco 49ers star Deebo Samuel called out Adam Schefter on Instagram after the NFL insider claimed location is one of the reasons he has requested a trade.
During an appearance on NFL Live, Schefter claimed one of the reasons why Samuel wants out of San Francisco is to be closer to his South Carolina home.
“I’m sure there are a multitude of factors as to why he would like to be traded but I think one of them is the fact that he simply prefers to be closer to home - South Carolina, not out west in California," Schefter said.
“California, San Francisco chose him, he didn’t choose that.
“I think he’d like to be closer to home somehow.â€
Samuel responds to Schefter claim
Earlier in the week, Samuel wrote on Twitter - before deleting it - that: "Reporters jobs is to make stories only people know the truth about situation is 49ers @ToryDandy and deebo Samuel."
And he clearly didn't like what Schefter had to say, writing on Instagram story in the wake of the Insider's claim: "@AdamSchefter HILARIOUS. MANE SAID BECAUSE I WANT TO BE CLOSE TO HOME.â€
That's Schefter silenced.
What do we know so far?
Although Samuel's tweet suggests what's been reported may not be the truth, ESPN’s Jeff Darlington claimed that the multi-talented player has requested a trade from the organisation.
Ian Rapaport has suggested that there are a number of issues that Samuel wants to be sorted out, with Abert Breer claiming that part of it comes down to his usage on the field as a combination of a wide receiver and a running back.
"A number of factors went into 49ers WR Deebo Samuel's trade request—money isn't central to it," Breer wrote on Twitter.
"One is his role, and the wear and tear he's incurred deployed as a hybrid tailback/receiver, a role that makes him unique."
San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Deebo Samuel Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
Putting teams on alert?
A player of his talent is obviously going to be highly sought-after this offseason, with a recent report in The Athletic claiming that the New York Jets, Kansas City Chiefs and Houston Texans could be potential suitors.
The report from The Athletic does state that it’d ‘be a stunner’ if he was traded within the same conference, so that might rule out the likes of the Carolina Panthers and Atlanta Falcons.
But if the right offer comes along, especially if it’s something like what the Miami Dolphins gave up for Tyreek Hill, you’d have to imagine that might be too good for them to turn down.
The 26-year-old Samuel really burst onto the scene as one of the best all-round players in the NFL last season.
He put up over 2,000 yards combined in terms of receiving and rushing and even throwing a passing touchdown into the mix as well, but is facing an uncertain future in San Francisco.