Who Should I Start? Deebo Samuel or Puka Nacua

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, January 15, 4:42 AM

Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua dominated in the team's 24-23 wildcard loss to the Detroit Lions. Nacua caught nine of his 10 targets for 181 receiving yards and a 50-yard first-half touchdown. He also rushed the ball once for a loss of two yards. The 5th-round rookie set yet another record as he finished with the most receiving by a rookie WR in a playoff game. Despite his season coming to an end, Nacua continued to prove himself as one of the most dangerous receivers in all of football. Heading into next season, fantasy players should consider him in the first three rounds of drafts and ahead of Cooper Kupp.