Who Should I Start? Deebo Samuel or DeVonta Smith

Wednesday, May 1, 2:04 PM

The San Francisco 49ers were engaged in trade talks involving wide receivers Brandon Aiyuk and Deebo Samuel leading up to the draft, but the team elected not to trade either of their star receivers, with all signs pointing toward both being on the 2024 roster. Aiyuk is entering the final year of his rookie deal, and the assumption was that he'd be the odd man out after the team paid Samuel and other star players. Samuel still has two years left on the deal he signed before the 2022 season. San Fran has been to at least the NFC Championship game in four of the last five seasons, and losing Aiyuk or Samuel would almost certainly make the team worse in 2024. The 49ers can afford to keep both this year, but an Aiyuk extension would likely reduce his $14.124 million salary cap number for 2024. Samuel's fantasy value would have likely taken a hit with a move out of the Bay Area.

Monday, April 15, 10:50 AM

Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver DeVonta Smith has agreed to a three-year $75 million contract extension that includes $51 million in guaranteed money. The organization also picked up his fifth-year option, so he is now under contract through the 2028 NFL season. Despite playing alongside All-Pro wideout A.J. Brown, Smith has been spectacular since entering the league in 2021. The former Heisman Trophy winner has racked up 240 receptions for 3,178 yards and 19 touchdowns through his first three pro campaigns. Smith is just 25 years old, so he should be in the thick of his prime through the duration of his new contract. He remains a WR2 in fantasy football moving forward.