The Deebo Samuel situation could get very messy soon, as the talented skill player told the NFL media barely 24 hours ago that he wants to be traded from the San Francisco 49ers. So what are the latest news and rumors surrounding Samuel and his desire to be dealt?
NFL News and Rumors: Will a bigger contract keep Deebo Samuel in San Francisco?
Multiple league sources tell me the Niners put a baseline contract offer on the table for Samuel, which averages just under $19 million per year. As first reported during the Draft Insiders podcast with Trey Wingo back on April 12, the same day Samuel scrubbed his social media accounts of all things 49ers, the former second-round pick is seeking a contract close to $25 million annually.
During that podcast, I also stated the feeling at that time was the Niners wanted to keep Samuel and would work to extend his contract. And while there’s talk of Samuel being shopped, everyone tells me San Francisco will do all they can to keep Samuel before trading him.
It was predicted by an NFL executive to Pro Football Network Tuesday night that the Samuel situation was simmering and bore watching. And he was correct.
“Deebo is so crucial to Kyle Shanahan’s offense because he can do so many things,” the executive said. “I can’t see them trading him, but I could see that situation being a problem. It’s all about compromises.”
Most believe Samuel’s ultimate contract will be in the range of $23-$24 million per year. He likely won’t make as much money as A.J. Brown, who could sign a renegotiated contract with the Tennessee Titans sooner than later.
Though Samuel is a dynamic skill player, sources point to the fact the numbers are not there for him compared to receivers who recently scored huge contracts. When sizing him up to Brown over the past three years, Samuel falls short in touchdowns (10 for Samuel vs. 24 for Brown) and receiving yards (2,598 for Samuel vs. 2,995 for Brown).
However, 26-year-old Samuel is in the prime of his career. He had 1,405 receiving yards and 6 touchdown receptions last season. He ranked fifth in the NFL in receiving yards. Samuel is also capable of playing running back. He rushed for 8 touchdowns, the most in a single season for a wide receiver in NFL history.