After months of precarious conversations and rumors, the 49ers and star wide receiver Deebo Samuel have finally agreed to a new deal. Samuel has landed a three-year extension worth $71.55MM, with a potential maximum value of $73.5MM, according to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport. 
Samuel’s annual average value of approximately $23.85MM per year ranks eighth among wide receiver contracts in the league behind Tyreek Hill, Davante Adams, DeAndre Hopkins, Cooper Kupp, A.J. Brown, Stefon Diggs, and recent fellow hold-in participant D.K. Metcalf. As expected, Samuel joins the trend of wide receivers breaking the $20MM per year threshold.
Samuel’s feud with the team that drafted him stems back to the early days of the offseason. General manager John Lynch had readily admitted that the team had an extension budgeted for Samuel and defensive star Nick Bosa, but San Francisco’s initial offer was out of range enough for Samuel to request a trade. Several teams reached out in hopes of trading for the 26-year-old, with the Jets making a dramatic push around the draft, but, ultimately, no trade unfolded.
At one point, Samuel had removed all references to the team on social media, indicating that the relationship was all but deteriorated, but eventually refollowed the team on Instagram and liked a post in which Lynch claimed the issues between the two parties could be worked out. The team’s communication with the media after that seemed to insist that a deal would get done, but as training camp approached, questions on the imminence of a new contract still pressed.
Samuel’s “hold-in” can now come to an end. While he had reported to training camp earlier this week, Samuel refused to practice amid his then-ongoing contract dispute. He had reported to minicamp, as well, but didn’t participate in any on-field work then either. The “hold-in” was a new concept, a result of the CBA’s crackdown on holdouts that would fine Samuel $40,000 for each day he was absent from camp.
With contract discussions in the rearview, Samuel can return focus to continuing his meteoric NFL development. Samuel impressed as a rookie amassing 57 receptions for 802 yards and three touchdowns en route to his teams run to a Super Bowl loss against the Chiefs. Samuel also showed that his impressive athleticism could provide an extra tool as he rushed for three more touchdowns on 14 carries for 159 yards. Samuel’s sophomore season was derailed a bit by injury as a fracture in his left foot forced him to miss the first three games of the season. He would miss nine games total that year due to a mix of COVID-19 and a hamstring injury.
Finally healthy again, Samuel exploded for a breakout year last season. Samuel more than doubled his career total recording 1,405 receiving yards on 77 catches for six touchdowns. He continued his dual-threat nature by rushing 59 times for 365 yards and a team-leading eight rushing touchdowns. Some reports indicated that one of Samuel’s gripes was his overuse in the run game, but the team supposedly addressed it by adding some depth to the running backs room.
But, now, all the gripes and issues will hopefully be behind the two parties. Samuel got his payday and the 49ers aren’t forced to deal one of their most valuable offensive weapons. Between signing Bosa and Samuel to massive extensions, Lynch and the 49ers’ brass have had one heck of an offseason.
Good on them for sorting this out despite not having sorted out the Jimmy situation. Good that he’s staying, too. Lance needs his best weapon. Deebo deserved to get paid, especially with under $7 million total in his rookie deal. And as a football fan, I’m glad I get to keep seeing Shanahan use him as a chess piece.
I envision Shanahan as more of a Pokemon player than a chess master.
That’s kinda crazy if he’s just going to be a WR now. Lot of his value is lost if he’s not running the ball as well. Still very good, but not elite.
Most of his value is still as a receiver and it’s not like he’s sniffing Hill or Adams money.
Not necessarily crazy. There’s not a whole lot separating the terms of this contract and that of McLaurin. Market value for a receiver of his skill level IMO
It’s gonna take 2-3 years at least for Trey to develop IF he does. It’s an unproven kid from North Baked Potato St, his only experience was against dudes that are selling insurance now.
I wish Lynch woulda fleeced the Jets for some of the draft capital they’ve wasted the last couple of years.
Gratz deebo gratz niners
The next Antonio Brown. Book it.
Based on what?
He must be a headcase because he wanted to be paid commensurate with his talent and production. Such a fantastic take.
One year wonder?
Lol that wasn’t his first season, genius
The Rams hope so but don’t hold your breath.
Bad contract from Deebos perspective. His agent did a disservice .. no way Aj Brown should be getting more money.
DK skillset can last a while as a big body, athletic WR.
Deebo is predicated on YAC .. him going into the market again at 30 he won’t get another big contract. Very surprised they agreed to this .. good for 9ers I guess
It’s not far off. If they had tagged him three straight years he probably could have gotten close to $90m, but going that route does come with a lot of uncertainty. $60m+ guaranteed is a solid deal for him. A lot can happen in 3 years. If he outplays this contract he’ll still be young enough to get another big one.
Devonta Adams did.
I love the passive voice
They haven’t extended Bosa.
And, assuming you’re an actual niners fan, I’m assuming you’ve heard the front office say a hundred times that they’re doing his next year
They won’t this year since he has 2 years left on his contract for more then 28 million dollars.