Kittle expresses concerns over 49ers' future amid Samuel trade request

San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle has expressed deep concerns about the potential trade of his teammate, wide receiver Deebo Samuel, who has been granted permission to explore trade options. Kittle emphasized Samuel's unique skill set, stating, "You can’t really replace Deebo," and highlighted his versatility, ability to break tackles, and effectiveness as a playmaker. The possibility of Samuel's departure could lead to significant adjustments in the 49ers' offensive strategy, especially with teammate Brandon Aiyuk's uncertain recovery from an ACL injury. Kittle acknowledged that the team would need to adapt but expressed sadness at the thought of losing Samuel, whom he considers irreplaceable. As the team navigates these changes, Kittle's contract situation also looms, with calls for the 49ers to extend his deal to create necessary cap space before addressing other contracts, including that of quarterback Brock Purdy. The 49ers find themselves at a crossroads, needing to balance player retention with financial considerations in the lead-up to the new season.