Tim Kawakami reported that the San Francisco 49ers believed their relationship with wide receiver Deebo Samuel was nearing its end—and that the team seemed content with parting ways.

The 49ers granted Samuel and his agent permission to seek a trade once this latest request came a month ago, when Samuel, 29, sat with coach Kyle Shanahan following the 49ers’ 6-11, last-place season, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter.