A pair of high-profile wideouts are staging “hold-ins.” ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports (on Twitter) that 49ers wideout Deebo Samuel and Seahawks receiver DK Metcalf will not be practicing at training camp due to contract disputes. Both players reported to training camp earlier this week.
The two receivers are heading into the final year of their respective contracts. Metcalf didn’t attend mandatory minicamp, but he incurred only a $90K fine. Samuel reported to minicamp but didn’t participate in on-field work, leaving the door open to a potential hold-in scenario. If the two players engaged in a traditional holdout, they’d face fines worth $40K for each day they were absent. The CBA’s recent holdout crackdown also includes a measure that would strip players of a year of service time toward free agency after barely a week’s worth of absences. Samuel and Metcalf will avoid these penalties by attending training camp but refusing to participate.
According to Cam Inman of the San Jose Mercury (on Twitter), Samuel conditioned on the sideline while the rest of his team participated in drills today. Meanwhile, the 49ers front office and Samuel’s agent considered to negotiate a deal.
“Hopefully we can figure something out soon, but we’re in a good place today,” Kyle Shanahan told reporters shortly after speaking with Samuel (via Inman).
Samuel is expected to join the ever-growing club of receivers signing deals averaging at least $20MM per season. Bridging the gap between Samuel’s original asking price and the team’s best offer to date has, naturally, been seen as a key milestone in helping repair relations between the two sides after the 26-year-old’s April trade request. Still, there’s a clear divide when it comes to the player’s value.
Metcalf doesn’t have to look very far to find inspiration for his hold-in, as teammate Jamal Adams staged his own last offseason. Adams returned to the field once he received a record-setting contract. Metcalf shouldn’t expect to reset the market at receiver, but the impending free agent should still be able to secure a lucrative multiyear deal. Metcalf’s decision to skip minicamp surprised some in the organization, but both Metcalf and Pete Carroll have expressed optimism about an extension being finalized. Though, this process is not expected to be wrapped up early in camp. Late last month, a report emerged indicating a Metcalf deal “hardly seemed like a slam dunk.”
I’m usually for the players but I don’t see how you can show up to avoid the fines but refuse to participate if you’re not injured. It’s like showing up for work but refusing to do your job.
this bothers you?
really?
really.
Not really. Just an observation. I could care less about either team but I think any player for any team should have to practice unless they’re injured.
I’m actually bothered that showing up to work and not doing your job doesn’t bother somebody. That’s probably why we are in the situation we are in with this country.
george costanza…ever heard of him
The fictional sit-com character? Great example.
Gotta make better rules. They can’t be allowed to come but not do anything. That cheating the system to not get fine .
They will just fake injuries or claim mental illness otherwise…Not a surefire way around it.
Mental illness, lol
Hey it worked (kinda) for Ben Simmons.
The teams should chalk and rope out a designated area on the practice field away from those players practicing, media, fans, coaches, and any other distraction for the “Hold-Ins” to report to.
This way they will not be a distraction, will have a place to report to, have someone to consult with, and will be separated from injury.
It’s a win/win for both sides until all is resolved.
Samuel and Shanahan had a sit down and BOTH agreed it wouldn’t be wise to risk an injury when an extension is at hand. BOTH. The article refers to this meeting. Not sure why this “hold-in” seems so selfish to some posters here.
Samuel is still under contract. It’s not like he’s unsigned. He’s protected if he’s injured. How many guys are due an extension in a year or two? Should they not practice either? Bosa? Lamar Jackson? Tee Higgins? Kareem Hunt? I don’t really care what the 49ers do for their players but let’s face it, Samuel wants a new contract now because he knows his stats are gonna drop significantly with Lance as quarterback instead of Jimmy G and he won’t have as strong of a case for a huge contract. That’s why Colorado Rockies don’t get many free agent pitchers because when they’re due for another contract, their numbers won’t look good
Yes, BB9, he’ll make his $4 mil this year even if he gets hurt practicing. And then will get ZERO $ after this year. I say that’s not a wise thing to do and niner management agrees. However, it’s the reverse of a player who doesn’t get paid this year (or loses half of this year’s salary) but gets paid A TON over the next several years. In that scenario, that player didn’t even get hurt practicing. Apparently you and your teams management feel this IS wise. Morally wrong, yet wise? Go Browns!!
If Watson is eligible to play, why wouldn’t the Browns play him? You need to educate yourself about how the Browns have done the other huge contracts. Garrett and Ward both get paid 1 million and change in their 1st year of their contracts. Exactly the same as Watson. Btw, Watson is under contract for less than Samuel and surprisedly he’s practicing. Glad you think that guys that have a year left on their contracts don’t have to practice because they may get hurt. What happens when they start playing games? I guess you can’t get hurt in a game
he already has a contract after this year. That’s the difference. Educate myself? Seriously? BB, bye bye.
If you’re gonna speak about Watson’s salary, you need to know that they have set up others contracts the same way. Nothing nefarious.
Why does Shanahan want to practice at all then? Isn’t he just risking injury to his entire team? Methinks you misread.
Chester methinks that you don’t thinks. Unless I misread your poetically well written post