One of the best receivers in the NFL could soon be on the trade market.

On Sunday, ESPN's Adam Schefter reported that star San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Deebo Samuel had been granted permission by the team to seek a trade following what Samuel called a "hard conversation" with head coach Kyle Shanahan. Samuel previously asked for a trade following the season during his exit meeting.

Samuel also asked to be traded in 2022, but this time, the team seems to have interest in making a move after it locked up Brandon Aiyuk, who was a trade candidate last offseason, to a long-term deal ahead of the regular season.

San Francisco also extended Samuel through 2029 but restructured his deal in 2024, giving the team an out after the 2025 season. Samuel is coming off a 670-yard, three-touchdown season for the 49ers.

With Samuel likely to be playing for a new team next season, here are six franchises who could look to make a move for him.

Pittsburgh Steelers

The Steelers were in on the Aiyuk sweepstakes last offseason, and now they could end up with a 49ers receiver after all. Pittsburgh has a pair of promising young receivers in George Pickens and Calvin Austin with the former just barely missing out on a second-straight 1,000-yard season despite only playing in 14 games.

Van Jefferson, a 2024 free agency addition, disappointed this year. With a new quarterback likely coming to the Steel City in 2025, adding some star power to the receiving corps would be a nice boost.

Los Angeles Chargers

The Chargers made the playoffs in what was a successful Year 1 for Jim Harbaugh, but this offense still needs quite a bit of work, especially with a promising young quarterback in Justin Herbert signed to a long-term deal.

Outside of rookie Ladd McConkey, who was one of the most impactful first-year players in the league and totaled 1,149 yards, this is one of the NFL's worst receiving corps. Quentin Johnson, a former first-round pick, has been a disappointment while Josh Palmer only caught one touchdown this season as the No. 3 option.

If Samuel wants to stay in California, the Chargers would almost certainly be happy to bring him in.

New England Patriots

The 2024 season was a rough one for New England, which fired coach Jerod Mayo after just one season. It replaced him with another former Patriots player in Mike Vrabel, who has an intriguing second-year quarterback to work with after Drake Maye's solid rookie season.

He needs some help though. New England has found moderate success with a pair of sixth-round picks in DeMario Douglas and Kayshon Boutte, but veteran Kendrick Bourne is an underwhelming third option while second-round pick Ja'Lynn Polk caught just 12 passes in 15 games as a rookie.

The Patriots were also in on Aiyuk and could have an interest in Samuel, as well.

Buffalo Bills

There were a lot of questions about Buffalo's receiving corps after losing Stefon Diggs entering the year, but it didn't hold Josh Allen back from winning NFL MVP in 2024. Still, an upgrade like Samuel could elevate this offense even further.

Khalil Shakir had something of a breakout season, Keon Coleman had solid production as a rookie and Mack Hollins is a dependable contributor. But the Amari Cooper trade didn't exactly pan out, and Cooper isn't likely to return to Buffalo.

It seems like a bit of a stretch that the Bills would make another big receiver trade, but Samuel paired with Allen is certainly a tantalizing thought.

Washington Commanders

Washington was arguably the biggest surprise in the NFL this season, riding the high-level play of Rookie of the Year quarterback Jayden Daniels to a NFC championship appearance. That's in spite of a receiving corps that lacks star power outside of Terry McLaurin with Olamide Zaccheus and Dyami Brown as the No. 2 and 3 options.

If the Commanders added a player like Samuel, this team would have the makings of a real NFC contender once again.

Denver Broncos

Another team that reached the playoffs with a rookie quarterback, Denver could really use a top receiver option to aid in Bo Nix's development after an impressive first season. Veteran Courtland Sutton is coming off his most productive season since 2019 while Devaughn Vele had a really impressive rookie season for a seventh round pick, and Marvin Mims Jr. has been solid through his first two seasons.

But it takes firepower on offense to compete with the Chiefs in the AFC West, and Samuel would certainly provide that.

This article originally appeared on For The Win: 6 possible trade destinations for 49ers receiver Deebo Samuel