Deebo Samuel was traded from the San Francisco 49ers to the Washington Commanders, opening up the door for a new top receiving option on Kyle Shanahan’s team.
Samuel had long been the subject of constant trade rumors in recent years. Now, the dual-threat receiver is gone, and the 49ers are looking to replace his production. While several trade scenarios linger, one analyst believes that San Francisco may pass the torch to someone already on the roster.
Terique Owens Set to Replace Deebo Samuel
The idea of adding a new wideout — via trade or free agency: ESPN mentioned Robert Woods, Amari Cooper, Darius Slayton — is certainly on the table. But, the 49ers do have a wealth of in-house options at their disposal.
Tim Kawakami of the San Francisco Standard reported that he’s hearing the team is high on Terique Owens. The 6-foot-3, 200-pounder was signed as an undrafted rookie free agent out of Missouri State in 2024 and spent a portion of last season on San Francisco’s practice squad.
Apparently, Owens — the son of Hall of Famer Terrell Owens — impressed the coaching staff enough to garner him an extended look in 2025.
“I’ve heard they don’t think they need to get a better wide receiver,” said Kawakami. “I’ve heard they like the guys they got. I’ll tell you the name I’ve heard, Terique Owens. They think he was good in practice squad.”
Tim Kawakami on the 49ers replacing Deebo Samuel’s spot in the WR room:
“I’ve heard they don’t think they need to get a better wide receiver. I’ve heard they like the guys they got. I’ll tell you the name I’ve heard, Terique Owens. They think he was good in practice squad.”… pic.twitter.com/H3e3kk9bEC
— Coach Yac 🗣 (@Coach_Yac) March 3, 2025
Other guys on the roster in the conversation to see increased snaps include last year’s leading receiver Jauan Jennings, along with Ricky Pearsall, Jacob Cowing, and Trent Taylor. There is also the issue of what to do about Brandon Aiyuk.
The 26-year-old is coming off a torn ACL and MCL in his right knee, with 49ers general manager John Lynch admitting to reporters that the team is listening to trade offers for him.
New Kid on the Block: Who Is Terique Owens?
Owens came into the 2024 NFL Draft with little fanfare, beginning his college career at Contra Costa College in 2018 before transferring to Florida Atlantic for one year and then Missouri State. He tallied 28 catches for 528 yards and 10 touchdowns in 2023.
A two-sport standout in basketball and football at Bishop O’Dowd High in Oakland, California, Owens was first signed to the 49ers’ practice squad on May 6, 2024, then released on Aug. 15 due to a small fracture on his right hand. He reverted back to the team’s injured reserve list after going unclaimed on waivers.
Terique Owens at the 49ers’ local pro day 👀 pic.twitter.com/c11pn9FHgr
— 49ers on NBCS (@NBCS49ers) April 10, 2024
His dad, Terrell, called Terique a “late bloomer” ahead of his Pro Day in April 2024 and attempted to temper expectations for his son. He appeared in only 38 total games over six college seasons, making 61 catches for 1,071 yards and six touchdowns.
“Obviously, he has the physical attributes for a receiver,” Terrell Owens told NBC Sports Bay Area’s Matt Maiocco, via Pro Football Talk. “For him, it’s all about reps; it’s all about experience. I think once he gets on a roster, that’s where he’ll be able to improve and enhance his skillset. He just needs to get his foot in the door. After that, it’s up to him.”