Skip to main content
Advertising

Deebo Samuel reports to 49ers camp; GM John Lynch 'hopeful' contract will get done in 'near future'

On Saturday, July 30, NFL Network will present Training Camp: Back Together Saturday. Beginning at 9 a.m. ET, more than 50 analysts, reporters and team correspondents will provide 13 hours of live coverage from training camps across the NFL -- plus, check out NFL Films-produced wired sound of players and coaches in action.

Deebo Samuel reported for San Francisco 49ers training camp. Now the hope is a long-term deal can be struck.

Niners general manager John Lynch said Tuesday that he's optimistic an extension can get done soon.

"We've had really productive and substantive talks," Lynch said. "I don't want to get everyone all excited that something is imminent, because we're not there yet. But really hopeful that in the near future, we'll be able to announce something that is exciting for everyone involved. Deebo is here today, and we're excited about moving forward with him as part of this team."

The question is whether Samuel will participate in any practice sessions before a new deal gets done. While the new CBA has ended most traditional holdouts, hold-ins (where a player reports and attends meetings but doesn't practice) are more common.

A second-round pick in 2019, the wideout enters the final year of his rookie deal set to earn $3.936 million in base salary.

Samuel's future with the club has hovered over the franchise all offseason. The star wideout requested a trade back in April, but the 49ers didn't move him ahead of the 2022 NFL Draft.

While the contract situation has lingered -- as a boatload of other receivers have gotten paid this offseason -- other questions have also percolated, including Samuel's usage in the offense. There have been discussions about Deebo not wanting to be used out of the backfield as much moving forward to save his body from constant beatings.

Coach Kyle Shanahan said Tuesday that he had a "real good discussion" with Samuel about his usage in the offense.

"We're on the same page with it," Shanahan said.

Now Samuel and the Niners just need to get on the same page on contract talks.

NFL+ gives you the freedom to watch LIVE out-of-market preseason games, LIVE local and prime-time regular-season and postseason games on your phone or tablet, the best NFL programming on-demand and more! Wherever you are, this is how you football! Learn more about NFL+.

Related Content