There was a lot of offseason drama surrounding Samuel heading into April's draft. The team's do-it-all wideout awaited a contract extension while watching the wide receiver market explode with offseason trades and new deals for his peers. Then, ahead of the draft, it was reported that a disgruntled Samuel had requested to be traded.
The draft came and went, and Samuel remained a Forty-Niner. His options dwindled as the 49ers made it clear they had no intention of trading their best offensive weapon.
"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," general manager John Lynch said last week.
Head coach Kyle Shanahan and Lynch's 49ers typically deal with contract extensions later in the offseason, most being finalized in July or early August. That might have made waiting his turn tough for Samuel as he watched several other NFL receivers earn big paydays.
There was some question about whether Samuel would opt to attend minicamp or accept the possibility of being fined for remaining away from the 49ers. In May, at the start of organized team activities, Shanahan said he expected Samuel to be among the veteran players in attendance for the mandatory minicamp.
Samuel is coming off a breakout season. He contributed 1,770 all-purpose yards and 14 total touchdowns last season, helping the 49ers reach the NFC Championship Game for the second time in three seasons. Samuels' 1,405 receiving yards led the team, and his team-leading eight rushing touchdowns were the most ever by an NFL wide receiver.
Rapoport adds that defensive end Nick Bosa is also expected to attend this week's minicamp. Of course, that was expected. Bosa was not taking part in voluntarily organized team activities. He was training away from the 49ers with his brother, Joey Bosa of the Los Angeles Chargers.
The 49ers' Bosa, like Samuel, is eligible for a contract extension.
Related News
More San Francisco 49ers News
-
49ers place LB Nick Martin on injured reserve
The San Francisco 49ers announced Saturday that linebacker Nick Martin has been placed on injured reserve due to a concussion suffered on November 30 against the Cleveland Browns. The San Francisco 49ers today announced they have placed LB Nick Martin on the Injured Reserve... -
49ers vs. Bears injury report: Kittle sidelined, Pearsall returns, other practice notes
The San Francisco 49ers are preparing for their Week 17 contest against the Chicago Bears on Sunday at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, California. As expected, tight end George Kittle did not practice after suffering an ankle sprain in Monday night's win over the Indianapolis... -
Report: 49ers TE George Kittle dealing with mid-to-low ankle sprain
According to ESPN's Jeremy Fowler, San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle is dealing with a "mid-to-low ankle sprain" sustained during Monday night's 48-27 win over the Indianapolis Colts. 49ers tight end George Kittle is dealing with a "mid-to-low ankle sprain," per... -
49ers vs. Colts injury report: 6 players miss practice ahead of MNF clash
The San Francisco 49ers are preparing for their Week 16 contest against the Indianapolis Colts on Monday night at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Indiana. Because linebacker Erick Kendricks is on the practice squad, the 49ers do not need to report his practice status. Head...