There’s no secret the San Francisco 49ers and star WR Deebo Samuel has been at odds. As of late, he’s just requested a trade from the 49ers, reported Nick Wagoner for ESPN. However, for the past few months, the 49ers have only discussed they want to keep Samuel for as long as they can. It’s abundantly clear that these two parties don’t see eye to eye.
Samuel is in the last year of his rookie deal. Thus this an ideal time to trade him or pay him a boatload of money. While Samuel refused to offer specific reasons for the request for a trade, he informed the team of how he felt.
As many athletes have done, Samuel unfollowed the 49ers on Instagram and removed most photos in the team’s uniform. One would agree that after watching Samuel’s breakout season in 2021 he would want to be compensated as a top WR. Many of his peers were paid top dollar this offseason and he may believe that he deserves similar compensation. According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, Samuel did not attend offseason conditions for the 49ers.
San Francisco 49ers in Disarray
Despite the dysfunction between Samuel and the 49ers, the front office is admitting to keeping him. GM John Lynch and HC Kyle Shanahan sounded optimistic at the NFL owners meeting towards the end of March. They spoke about bringing back Samuel and star DE Nick Bosa.
“As I’ve always said, those guys will be with us for a long time. They’re fantastic players and a big part of who we are.” – Lynch
“But we need to figure it out,” Shanahan said. “I hope they stay with the Niners forever.” Well, at least as long as I’m here.”
