The San Francisco 49ers and do-it-all playmaker Deebo Samuel could be heading toward a breakup as trade buzz grows ahead of the 2022 NFL season.

Speculation about the 2021 Pro Bowl selection's future entered the spotlight in early April when the wide receiver removed all references to the Niners on his social media pages. Speculation became reality Wednesday when Jeff Darlington of ESPN spoke to Samuel, who confirmed he has requested a trade from San Francisco.

Samuel, 26, is entering the final season of his four-year, $7.2 million rookie contract. Prior to the wide receiver's request for a change of scenery, there had been no indication the sides were close to an agreement on an extension.

ESPN's Adam Schefter reported Tuesday on NFL Live (via Wilton Jackson of Sports Illustrated) the 49ers were willing to pay fair market value, but their top offensive weapon wasn't willing to engage.

"This, I think right now, is Deebo Samuel not wanting to get a deal done," Schefter said. "… The 49ers are ready. Deebo Samuel is the one who has put a halt to everything for right now."