On Tuesday, ESPN's Adam Schefter reported that Deebo Samuel has been unwilling to engage in extension talks, while the 49ers are at the negotiating table, indicating that Deebo Samuel himself doesn't necessarily want a deal done.
However, is that really true?
On Wednesday, ESPN's Jeff Darlington reported that Deebo Samuel told him of his trade request, which Ian Rapoport later confirmed came approximately two weeks ago, making sense why negotiations have stalled recently.
There's clearly an impasse in this situation, likely over the money demanded, as Samuel has continuously used social media to stress the fact that he's seeking a $25 million-per-year deal.
However, the number that truly matters is the money guaranteed, and more importantly the money guaranteed at signing.
Looking at the 49ers' track record, they're notorious for providing incentive-based deals, lowering the guarantees in a player's contract, especially the upfront money at signing.
Currently, the highest guarantee at signing was quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo at $41.7 million. To put that in perspective, that's 28th in the NFL currently.
Left tackle Trent Williams was very close to leaving the 49ers due to contract negotiations and only re-signed once the 49ers upped their final offer to top the Kansas City Chiefs. Still, in his case, he received just $40 million of his $138 million contract guaranteed at signing.
Now, looking at the receiver market, Tyreek Hill currently leads the pack at $52.5 million guaranteed at signing and $72.2 million in practical guarantees, with Stefon Diggs not far behind at $48 million guaranteed at signing and $70 million in practical guarantees.
As a 26-year-old receiver going into his prime, Samuel is likely looking to match those numbers of his peers, creating a clear disconnect between him and the organization, who've never handed out a contract over $40 million in guarantees at signing during the Shanahan-Lynch era.
So, is it really that Deebo Samuel doesn't want a deal done? It could be. Factors such as location and usage could be significant to Samuel, but the likeliest reason is the discrepancy in money, be it the average annual value, money guaranteed at signing, or the total guarantees.
Kind of linked to this is CA taxes that effectively cut any offer in half. Also the wear and tear of visiting his family and newborn son since they stay in Carolina. Even NJ taxes (Jets) would be less
Deebo Samuel and Brock Purdy are why the 49ers can afford to pay Brandon Aiyuk
By David Bonilla
Apr 10
It's evident that the San Francisco 49ers engaged in long-term financial planning. Much discussion has centered around the feasibility of the team committing significant financial resources to two wide receivers, Brandon Aiyuk and Deebo Samuel. Some skeptics question the wisdom of such heavy investment in a single position, especially considering that the 49ers handed Samuel a substantial three-year extension merely two years ago.
Adding complexity to this debate is the impending contract extension for quarterback Brock Purdy, positioning him to become the highest-paid player on the team. He will likely even become one of the NFL's highest-paid players. Where he ranks in average salary will depend upon whether he can replicate the stellar performance of his Pro Bowl 2023
Mike Silver on how Deebo Samuel's contract might be the starting point for a Brandon Aiyuk extension
By Al Sacco
Apr 16
With the 2024 NFL Draft less than a week away, it's common for the rumor mill to start churning, especially with players who are actively seeking a new contract. It was just two short years ago that WR Deebo Samuel requested a trade from the San Francisco 49ers prior to draft day, only for cooler heads to prevail and eventually agree to a new deal.
Now, it's WR Brandon Aiyuk's turn to try and get paid and rumors surfaced over the weekend that he too would request to be dealt. While that report was quickly shot down by his agent, there's still a lot of discussion about Aiyuk's future and if other teams will come calling on draft night.
Legendary columnist Mike Silver joined
The San Francisco 49ers announced that they have signed cornerback Rock Ya-Sin to a one-year deal. He becomes the third cornerback to join the team this offseason. The Niners previously signed free agents Isaac Yiadom and Chase Lucas to one-year deals.
The 49ers Communications staff provided the following rundown.
Ya-Sin (5-11, 195) was originally drafted by the Indianapolis Colts in the second round (34th overall) of the 2019 NFL Draft. Throughout his five-year NFL career with the Colts (2019-21), Las Vegas Raiders (2022), and Baltimore Ravens (2023), he has appeared in 66 games (40 starts) and registered 193 tackles, 29 passes defensed, two interceptions, two forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries. In 2023,
49ers insider: I would be surprised if Brandon Aiyuk isn't signed to a new deal
By David Bonilla
Apr 11
As expected, the most significant storyline surrounding the San Francisco 49ers this offseason revolves around the contract negotiations with star wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk. There hasn't been much official chatter on that front aside from general manager John Lynch and head coach Kyle Shanahan assuring reporters that every effort is being made to retain Aiyuk.
That hasn't stopped the rampant speculation from the media, with reports of interest from teams like the Jacksonville Jaguars and Pittsburgh Steelers, as well as former teammate
