The San Francisco 49ers have stated frequently in recent months that they want to retain receiver Deebo Samuel for a long time.
Samuel and the Niners don’t view things the same way, as is made evident on Wednesday. Samuel, who is in the final year of his rookie deal, informed that he has requested to be traded by the 49ers. Samuel refused to give specific reasons for his request for a trade, but he did say that he had notified the team of his wish to go.
Following Samuel’s breakout 2021 season, the two sides’ relationship has been more tumultuous.
Deebo Samuel Has Removed The 49ers From His Social Media Accounts
In recent weeks, Deebo Samuel has deleted any mentions of the 49ers from his Instagram profile, unfollowed the team, and deleted the majority of photographs of him wearing the team’s uniform. Samuel was not present when the Niners began their offseason conditioning program on Tuesday, and sources said he was not anticipated to engage in any on-field work during the optional phase of the program.
Samuel’s request for trade comes at a time when the cost of wide receivers has skyrocketed. After trading for Davante Adams, the Raiders granted him a contract deal worth $28.5 million per season, while the Dolphins awarded Tyreek Hill with a contract worth $30 million per season a week later after obtaining him from the Kansas City Chiefs. Stefon Diggs of the Buffalo Bills just signed a significant contract deal.
Despite this, San Francisco coach Kyle Shanahan and GM John Lynch have stated repeatedly this offseason that they aim to retain Samuel with the team for the foreseeable future. Both seemed bullish about agreements for Samuel and defensive end Nick Bosa at the NFL owners’ meetings at the end of March.
Shanahan claimed he wasn’t engaged in the talks, but he insisted Deebo Samuel would remain a key player for the organization.
