Deebo Samuel told ESPN on Sunday that the San Francisco 49ers have granted the hybrid wide receiver and agent Tory Dandy permission to seek a trade.

Samuel’s comments came on the heels of the fomer All-Pro selection asking the 49ers to trade him during the players’ exit meetings after the season.

“It was a hard conversation to have with Kyle (Shanahan, head coach) because of the relationship that we have,” Samuel said. “But I have to do what’s best. I’m more than thankful for the Niners giving me the opportunity of a lifetime, but now I think it’s best that we find another team.”

Samuel, 29, recorded 806 yards from scrimmage (670 receiving, 136 rushing) and four total touchdowns in 2024, his fewest in both categories since the 2020 campaign.

The 49ers signed Brandon Aiyuk to a four-year, $120 million extension last August and also selected fellow wide receiver Ricky Pearsall in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft.

Samuel signed a three-year, $71.55 million extension with the 49ers following his All-Pro campaign in 2021.

He has 4,792 receiving yards with 22 touchdowns and 1,143 rushing yards and 20 scores in 81 games since the 49ers selected him in the second round of the 2019 NFL Draft.