"A good player and has done a ton for this organization," Lynch said. "We're not in the business of letting good players out of here."
Trade rumors have surrounded Samuel for years. However, the 49ers face financial challenges if they decide to move him this offseason. Trading the receiver before June 1 would cost the team nearly twice as much as keeping him.
Still, NFL analyst Brian Baldinger believes there are valid reasons why the 49ers might be open to parting ways with the once-very-impactful wideout.
"Look, if Deebo doesn't want to be there, then accommodate him," Baldinger said Tuesday morning on Bay Area radio station 95.7 The Game. "First of all, it's a heavy contract that they don't really need, based on the production."
Samuel totaled just 806 scrimmage yards and four touchdowns last season—a far cry from his breakout 2021 campaign, when he racked up 1,770 scrimmage yards and 14 touchdowns. He hasn't come close to approaching those numbers since.
"And there's nobody amongst us or fans that don't like Deebo or respect Deebo," Baldinger continued. "We've seen the things that he has done in this league. But, right now, they're hamstrung by some really big contracts.
"The [WR Brandon] Aiyuk contract is big. We'll see if he comes back and what player he is when he comes back because you don't know right away—or when he comes back. But they've got a lot of money put into the wide receiver position and a lot of key positions."
Baldinger also pointed out that the 49ers' salary cap situation will become tighter once they finalize a contract extension for quarterback Brock Purdy. Last year's first-round pick, wide receiver Ricky Pearsall, could help ease the potential loss of Samuel.
Baldinger added, "But I would say ... the quicker they can get this thing settled, the better they can get into their offseason."
You can listen to Baldinger's entire interview below.
More San Francisco 49ers News
-
Baldy names 49ers' top offseason priority to close the NFC gap
Much was made of Robert Saleh's return to the San Francisco 49ers last season and the potential impact it could have on the defense. Instead, injuries ravaged the unit, and the results reflected it. The 49ers finished 20th in total yards allowed, 13th in points allowed, tied... -
Christian McCaffrey says 49ers would welcome Deebo Samuel reunion
A reunion between Deebo Samuel and the San Francisco 49ers may seem unlikely after the wide receiver pushed for a trade last year. The 49ers ultimately sent Samuel to the Washington Commanders, where he finished the season with 802 scrimmage yards—the second-lowest total of... -
Kyle Juszczyk hints 49ers could open the 2026 season in Australia
The San Francisco 49ers appear likely to play an international game during the 2026 NFL season. Most speculation has centered on a return to Mexico City, which would mark the third time the 49ers have played a regular-season game there (2005 and 2022, previously). "We will... -
49ers owner open to honoring Jerry Rice with statue at Levi's Stadium
San Francisco 49ers legend Jerry Rice recently shared that he would be emotional if the team chose to honor him with a statue at Levi's Stadium. "I would love that, to be honest with you," Rice, who is preparing to coach the Pro Bowl flag football game, said on Monday. "I...