The San Francisco 49ers and wide receiver Deebo Samuel have some work to do in the coming weeks, hopefully resolving their dispute before training camp kicks off on July 26. ESPN's Jeff Darlington reportedly stated on SportsCenter that Samuel is "not that happy" with the current situation and is likely to stay away from the team unless the 49ers offer him an agreeable contract extension.
This offseason, Samuel watched as other wideouts earned big paydays. The 49ers star had a breakout 2021 campaign, amassing 1,770 all-purpose yards and 14 total touchdowns while showing off his versatility as a pass-catcher and ball-carrier.
"He did show up to mandatory minicamp," Darlington said on SportsCenter, per The Spun, "but that was mostly, I'm told, to avoid the fines that would've come with it. Deebo and the 49ers have some reconciliation that they need to go through when it comes to their relationship.
"The 49ers want to make this work. They have no interest whatsoever in trading Deebo, but Samuel still wants, number one, a new contract, and number two, to be traded. He's clearly not that happy with the situation with the 49ers, but unless it comes in the form of a new contract, it's hard for me to fathom Deebo Samuel on the field to start training camp."
Last month, general manager John Lynch seemingly guaranteed that Samuel would remain a member of the 49ers in 2022.
"We haven't traded him, and I'd be a fool to trade him. So yes, Deebo will be part of the 49ers this season," Lynch said while expressing optimism that the team would figure out the contract situation.
Samuel is preparing to enter his fourth NFL season. He has recorded 167 receptions for 2,598 yards with 10 receiving touchdowns in his three seasons. His eight rushing touchdowns in 2021 set a single-season record for a wide receiver.