Aside from the looming quarterback decision, the futures of two star players is the biggest storyline of the San Francisco 49ers' offseason. The team can begin discussions for contract extensions for defensive end Nick Bosa and wide receiver Deebo Samuel, both selected in the 2019 NFL Draft.
On Wednesday, general manager John Lynch spoke with reporters at the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis. He shared an update on the team's thinking regarding both players, acknowledging that new contracts won't be easy, but expressing confidence that deals will get done.
"Well, it will certainly be a challenge, as good of players as those guys are," Lynch said. "But I do know this: Those guys are, in my mind, no absolutes, but those guys are going to be 49ers. They're foundational to what we do. On the field, their play is special. Off the field, in their own way, they've each become really big-time leaders for our team. They make their teammates better, and we realize all that value."
San Francisco made Bosa the No. 2 overall pick. As a result, the team can utilize a fifth-year option on the defensive star but would obviously prefer locking up the foundational defender to a long-term deal.
Coming off an ACL injury, Bosa had a Pro Bowl season in 2021, racking up 15.5 sacks, 52 tackles, 21 tackles for a loss, and 32 quarterback hits.
Samuel, a second-round pick in 2019, may have had an even more impressive season. He accumulated 1,770 all-purpose yards and 14 total touchdowns on offense. A hefty 1,405 of that yardage total came as a receiver, with the remaining 365 coming courtesy of the rushing attack. Eight of Samuel's 14 scores were rushing touchdowns.
"Two special players. Good issue to have," Lynch continued. "And we do have good communication and good relationships with both their representatives, as well as both the players. I think what I've learned, I guess going six years in this business, is when both sides have the motivation, deals can get done.
"The timing, I have no idea, but we'll go to work here, and have been working, to try to do something."