Introduction
The NFL offseason is always full of speculation, and one of the most intriguing rumors involves Deebo Samuel potentially joining the Philadelphia Eagles. The dynamic San Francisco 49ers playmaker has been a fantasy football superstar, but how would a trade to Philly impact his value—and the Eagles’ offense?
In this in-depth breakdown, we’ll explore:
- Deebo Samuel’s fantasy production so far
- How he’d fit in the Eagles’ offensive scheme
- The potential fantasy impact on Jalen Hurts, A.J. Brown, and Dallas Goedert
- Whether a trade is realistic—and what it would cost
- Projected stats if Samuel becomes an Eagle
If this move happens, it could reshape fantasy football rankings in 2024. Let’s dive in.
Deebo Samuel’s Fantasy Profile: A Unique Weapon
Before projecting his fit in Philadelphia, let’s examine Deebo Samuel’s fantasy impact over the past few seasons.
2021 Breakout Season
- 1,770 total yards (1,405 receiving, 365 rushing)
- 14 total TDs (6 receiving, eight rushing)
- WR3 overall in PPR leagues
Samuel’s unique role as a wideback (WR + RB hybrid) made him a league-winner in fantasy. His ability to rack up yards after the catch (YAC) and score in multiple ways set him apart.
2022 & 2023: Injuries and Fluctuating Production
- 2022: Missed four games but still had 864 total yards & 5 TDs
- 2023: Played 15 games, 1,117 total yards & 7 TDs
While not as dominant as in 2021, Samuel remained a high-end WR2 when healthy. His versatility keeps him valuable even in less explosive seasons.
Why His Skill Set is So Valuable
- Elite YAC ability (led NFL in 2021 with 10.0 YAC/reception)
- Rushing upside (200+ rushing yards in 3 straight seasons)
- Red-zone threat (21 total TDs since 2021)
If traded to Philly, his role could expand even further.
How Deebo Samuel Would Fit in the Eagles’ Offense
The Eagles already have A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith, but adding Samuel would give them the most explosive WR trio in the NFL. Here’s how he could be used:
1. The Ultimate Slot Weapon
- DeVonta Smith primarily operates outside, while A.J. Brown dominates intermediate routes.
- Samuel could thrive in the slot, using his physicality to break tackles and create big plays.
- His rushing ability would allow OC Kellen Moore to design jet sweeps & screens, adding a new dimension.
2. More RPO & Play-Action Opportunities
- Jalen Hurts excels in RPO (run-pass option) schemes.
- Adding Samuel means more misdirection plays, forcing defenses to account for his speed and power.
- Defenses would struggle to stack the box against D’Andre Swift, opening up deep shots.
3. Red-Zone Dominance
- The Eagles ranked 4th in red-zone efficiency (67.8%) in 2023.
- Samuel’s size (6’0”, 215 lbs) and physicality would make him a nightmare near the goal line.
- Imagine Hurts with Brown, Smith, Samuel, and Goedert inside the 10—defenses couldn’t cover everyone.
Fantasy Impact on Eagles Players
If Samuel joins Philly, how will the fantasy value of other key players be affected?
Jalen Hurts: QB1 Upside Increases
- More weapons = more passing efficiency
- Rushing TDs could dip slightly, but passing yards & TDs would rise
- Potential stat line: 4,200+ pass yards, 30+ pass TDs, 600+ rush yards, 8+ rush TDs
A.J. Brown & DeVonta Smith: Slight Dip, But Still Elite
- Brown would remain the alpha WR, but the target share drops from ~28% to ~24%
- Smith might see fewer deep targets but could benefit from more single coverage
- Both would still be strong WR2s with WR1 upside
Dallas Goedert: Biggest Risk
- Already a low-end TE1, Samuel’s arrival could push him to the TE8-12 range
- Fewer red-zone looks, but still a reliable safety valve
Eagles RBs (D’Andre Swift / Kenneth Gainwell)
- Fewer carries overall but more efficiency due to defensive attention on Samuel
- Swift remains an RB2, but his ceiling lowers slightly
Would a Trade Happen?
Why the Eagles Would Want Deebo
- The Super Bowl window is open—adding another playmaker maximizes their chances
- Samuel’s versatility fits their offensive identity
- Injury insurance for Brown/Smith
Why the 49ers Might Trade Him
- Cap space concerns (49ers have other extensions looming)
- Brandon Aiyuk’s emergence makes Samuel somewhat expendable
- Draft pick compensation could help retool their roster
Potential Trade Package
- Eagles send: 2025 2nd-round pick + 2026 3rd-round pick
- 49ers send: Deebo Samuel
Projected 2024 Stats if Deebo Joins the Eagles
Category Projected Stats
Receptions 75-85
Receiving Yards 950-1,100
Receiving TDs 6-8
Rushing Attempts 40-50
Rushing Yards 250-350
Rushing TDs 3-4
Total Fantasy Points (PPR) 240-270 (WR1 range)
Conclusion: A Fantasy Game-Changer
If Deebo Samuel joins the Philadelphia Eagles, he would instantly become one of the most intriguing fantasy assets in 2024. His dual-threat ability would elevate Jalen Hurts to even greater heights while keeping A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith as viable starters.
Samuel would likely return to low-end WR1 status for fantasy managers, especially in PPR leagues. The Eagles’ offense would become even more explosive, making their key players must-draft options.
Final Verdict: If this trade happens, buy Deebo Samuel everywhere—his ceiling in Philly’s offense is sky-high.
Would you want Deebo on the Eagles? How would it impact fantasy football? Let us know in the comments!
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FAQS
5 FAQs About Deebo Samuel’s Potential Eagles Trade & Fantasy Impact
1. Would Deebo Samuel be a WR1 in fantasy if traded to the Eagles?
- Likely, yes. Samuel would see consistent targets alongside A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith in Philadelphia’s high-powered offense. His rushing upside and red-zone role would keep him in the top 12 WRs, especially in PPR formats.
2. How would Deebo Samuel affect Jalen Hurts’ fantasy value?
- Hurts’ passing upside would increase, as Samuel’s YAC ability would lead to more explosive plays. However, his rushing TDs might slightly decrease since Samuel could vulture goal-line carries. Overall, Hurts remains a top-tier QB1.
3. Would A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith lose fantasy value if Deebo joins?
- Slightly, but not drastically. Brown would still be the alpha WR, but his targets could dip from ~160 to ~140. Smith might see fewer deep shots but could benefit from less defensive attention. Both remain strong WR2s with WR1 upside.
4. Is a Deebo Samuel-to-Eagles trade realistic?
- Possible, but not guaranteed. The 49ers have cap constraints, and Samuel could be traded if Brandon Aiyuk gets extended. The Eagles have the draft capital and win-now urgency to make a move, but it depends on San Francisco’s asking price.
5. What’s the best fantasy football strategy if Samuel is traded to Philly?
- Draft Samuel as a high-end WR2 with WR1 upside.
- Target Jalen Hurts early—his passing numbers could surge.
- Monitor A.J. Brown’s ADP; if it falls due to concerns, he becomes a steal.
- Be cautious with Dallas Goedert, as his targets could decline.
