Deebo Samuel isn't with his San Francisco 49ers teammates during organized team activities. That shouldn't come as a surprise to anyone. These sessions are voluntary, and the receiver is entering the final year of his rookie contract. Head coach Kyle Shanahan remains optimistic that the 49ers can extend their star player despite Samuel asking to be traded this offseason.
On Tuesday, Shanahan told reporters that he expects Samuel to be in attendance when the 49ers hold a three-day mandatory minicamp starting on June 13. Does the coach believe the relationship between player and team can be mended?
"Yeah, of course I do," Shanahan responded. "I felt that last time I talked to you guys, at draft time. I feel the same, if not stronger."
Has there been any progress in repairing the relationship with the receiver? Shanahan didn't divulge any details about the roadblocks but noted that the situation remains the same as the last time he addressed the media.
"The same thing I said last time," Shanahan said. "Nothing's changed. There's conversations we have with Deebo, and maybe some more of that will come out eventually, but now's not the time."
If the 49ers were going to trade Samuel, it likely would have been before or during the draft. However, Play A has always been to retain the team's do-everything wideout. There were teams interested in trading for Samuel, like the New York Jets. However, no one offered a trade package worth considering.
Samuel contributed 1,770 all-purpose yards and 14 total touchdowns in 2021 and is widely considered one of the top receivers and offensive weapons in the league. At some point, his salary will reflect that. Shanahan remains hopeful that will be with the 49ers.
