Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports
John Lynch can’t imagine 49ers moving on from Deebo Samuel
Apr 25, 2022 at 12:48 PM
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49ers general manager John Lynch didn't provide every answer fans have been looking for on the
Deebo Samuel situation during his pre-draft press conference with reporters on Monday, but he did reiterate the team's desire to work through Samuel's concerns and come out with an agreement that will keep him as part of the 49ers.
Reports have swirled in recent days of Samuel, who is in the final year of his rookie contract, being displeased with the 49ers to the point of wanting to be traded elsewhere. It's been difficult to figure out what's fact and what's fiction surrounding Samuel given the lack of specifics coming from both sides, but Lynch was unwilling to elaborate much on what Samuel's issues were and what he and the 49ers have talked about.
"I would ask for your understanding and a little perspective that I'm not going to talk about that much today because I don't think that's productive," Lynch said to reporters on Monday. "I don't want to speak on behalf of Deebo and his team, and I think it's non-productive for us to be talking about things. I've always thought having been on the other side, and I've shared this with you guys, there's a sanctity to those conversations remaining private. And that's always how we've operated and will continue to do so in this situation.
"As we move forward, I'm sure you have questions. Just understand please that I'm just not going to go there. I always have to ask myself in this job, 'What's in the best interest of our organization?' I don't think it's the best interest of our organization or anyone to be speaking on that."
Samuel, who just finished his third season with the 49ers after being selected by the team in Round 2 of the 2019 NFL Draft, has been watching throughout the offseason as other NFL receivers land significant new deals. The 49ers have been consistent in their desire to sign Samuel to an extension, but something apparently happened along the way to turn their relationship sour, at least for the time being.
Lynch was unwilling to confirm or deny any details of what has been reported in the press, including whether or not Samuel has demanded a trade ("I think you guys have seen the stories and all that. Like I said, I'm just not going to get into those particulars because I just don't think it's productive, so I'm going to stick to that," Lynch said). But he did say that he couldn't picture a situation where the team would choose to trade Samuel, despite how things have turned out.
"I can't ever imagine wanting to move on from Deebo... He's just too good of a player," Lynch said. "You think of 2019, the 36th pick to come up with someone like Deebo who to me has just been a game-changing player for our franchise."
Lynch went on to pile praise on Samuel, saying he was the type of player the 49ers want as part of their franchise.
"[Former NFL coach] Herm Edwards used to talk about when will meets skill, you've got the opportunity to be special," Lynch said. "I think Deebo probably embodies that as much as anyone. He's got tremendous will. He's a very talented player. I think by virtue of the way he plays, it's inspiring. So to me, that entails leadership. Do you make people around you better? He checks that box. He's a great teammate. I think of things like prior to games I get out there and he's always throwing the ball with the fans. I think he's been a great member of our community. So we've got nothing but love for him and nothing but appreciation for what he's (brought). But you just don't let guys like that walk, so I can't envision a scenario where he would."
Lynch added that he wasn't upset by Samuel making his displeasure public, even though the team has chosen not to talk about any details of the situation. He remains optimistic that the two sides will come to a resolution at some point in the future.
"Doesn't bother me. I think we live in a different world where there's a number of ways to express yourself," Lynch said. "People, it's certainly their right to do that. We pride ourselves for our communication with our players. This case is no different. I'm confident we can find the solutions to work through whatever's going on."
A number of NFL teams would reportedly be interested in Samuel if he became available, which doesn't come as a surprise after the performance he had in 2021 (77 catches, 1,405 yards, six touchdowns; 59 carries, 365 yards, eight touchdowns). Lynch said the 49ers will listen to offers for Samuel, which is something the team has done with almost any of their players, but that it wasn't likely a situation would arise that would make the team want to make a trade.
"We've been consistent since we've been here that we listen on just about anyone," Lynch said. "That's something we'll always do. But like I said, I can't ever imagine moving on from Deebo. He's been such a great player for us. He means so much to our franchise. Got nothing but love for the guy."
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