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The San Francisco 49ers have finished seven days of their training camp program before having Wednesday off, and with star receiver Deebo Samuel returning to practice on Monday after signing an extension, let's take a look into the early connection between him and second-year quarterback Trey Lance.
Samuel, who signed a three-year extension worth up to $73.5 million on Sunday, was seen in uniform for the first time on Monday, although he had been conditioning on the sidelines on days prior to the announcement of the deal.
Samuel was worked into the offense upon his return, spending a majority of his early snaps with the second-team offense and quarterback Nate Sudfeld.
However, on Monday, Samuel was seen working with Trey Lance and the quarterbacks during warmups on deep passes.
On Tuesday, after having zero connections on Monday, the duo finally connected, with Lance finding Samuel on a screen pass that went 15 yards, as well as a 20-yard play that required an impressive throw in to a tight window over the middle.
However, on Wednesday, the two didn't seem on the same page, as Samuel dropped a touchdown pass on a beautiful deep-fade with Emmanuel Moseley in coverage. Then, Samuel ran a 20-yard out-route, while Lance threw a 40-yard go-route, throwing another incompletion.
Is there any reason to worry?
Of course not.
Remember, wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk initially struggled to win against top cornerbacks Charvarius Ward and Emmanuel Moseley over the first two days of practice, before dominating over the last few days.
Additionally, Samuel's explosiveness appears to be there still, as evidenced on the screen pass.
With the two having four days of camp to continue working on their connection, as well as the entire month prior to the regular season, it'll be interesting to monitor Lance's favorite targets.
49ers offer Deebo Samuel assurances regarding roster status
By David Bonilla
18 hrs
Amidst swirling trade rumors surrounding Brandon Aiyuk, the speculation surrounding Deebo Samuel's future with the San Francisco 49ers seems to have quieted down.
According to Michael Silver of the San Francisco Chronicle, the 49ers have assured Samuel that he will not be involved in any pre- or post-draft transactions, ensuring his place on the roster for the time being.
"Samuel, who signed a three-year, $71.55 million extension before the 2022 season, has been assured by his bosses that he will not be dealt during or after the draft," Silver reported, citing a source familiar with the discussions.
Earlier in the
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
Brock Purdy hopes to organize throwing session ahead of 49ers training camp
By David Bonilla
Apr 16
The San Francisco 49ers will hold a mandatory minicamp from June 4 through 6, officially concluding the team's offseason program. After that, the Niners will break for over a month and return to the Santa Clara facilities for training camp in late July.
Between that time, starting quarterbacks will often organize throwing sessions with their receivers in an effort to build chemistry ahead of the rigors of training camp. 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy has been unable to participate in such sessions over the last two years. The last overall draft pick in 2022, Purdy had yet to make a name for himself during his first offseason. Last year, he was still recovering from offseason surgery on his throwing arm.
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"Thank God for Mr. Irrelevant": John Lynch reflects on 49ers drafting Trey Lance
By David Bonilla
Apr 22
The decision to trade up in the 2021 NFL Draft and select quarterback Trey Lance could have had significant consequences for general manager John Lynch and head coach Kyle Shanahan. With the team lacking first-round picks in the last two drafts due to this move, and Lance no longer on the roster after being traded to the Dallas Cowboys before last season, it's clear the gamble didn't unfold as expected.
Lynch held his annual pre-draft press conference on Monday, reflecting on the decision to take such a big chance on Lance. While such a bold move might have jeopardized jobs elsewhere, Lynch and Shanahan were blessed with some good fortune in the 2022 NFL Draft.
Acknowledging the support of the team's ownership, Lynch stated, "They believe in Kyle and I, and our
