What 49ers’ John Lynch had to say about Deebo Samuel’s trade request
In predictably affirming how the 49ers have no intention of trading All-Pro receiver Deebo Samuel, general manager John Lynch avoided getting into specifics in Monday’s press conference.
“I can’t ever imagine wanting to move on from Deebo,” Lynch said. “Even though we don’t have a first-round pick, you go through exercises and be thorough in the process. He’s just too good of a player.”
Samuel’s saga dominated the discussion of Lynch’s NFL-mandated, pre-draft press conference inside Levi’s Stadium’s auditorium.
“By virtue of the way he plays, it’s inspiring,” Lynch added. “That entails leadership. He makes people around him better. He’s a great teammate. We’ve got nothing but love for him and appreciation. You just don’t let guys like that walk.”
Lynch wouldn’t reveal Samuel’s discontent but did confirm he’s had discussions with the threeyear veteran and was surprised how things have turned.
If Samuel wants the 49ers to rush payment on an extension, this week’s draft offers a sweet spot to gauge his value in a potential trade.
While Samuel is entering the final year of his rookie contract, the 49ers made sure Monday that defensive end Nick Bosa will not be. They exercised Bosa’s fifth-year option for 2023, with designs on extending him to a long-term deal.
For those curious wondering why the 49ers’ track record is to not extend homegrown stars until later in the summer, that’s their tried and true business model, excluding veterans they re-sign around March’s free agency period. For example:
Guard Laken Tomlinson got an extension June 22, 2018.
Tight end George Kittle’s came on Aug. 14, 2020.
Linebacker Fred Warner cashed in July 22, 2021.
“It takes time. There is some patience involved in it,” Warner said Monday. “That’s the side a lot of people don’t get to see, business side of it. Sometimes guys take longer than others. Speaking of my process, I thought it was great and both sides were professional.” Why not rush payment? “I’m not going there,” said Lynch, who seemed understandably tense, spoke often in defensive tones, and was not as jocular as past media sessions. “I don’t think it’s in anyone’s best interest to get into particulars.”
Second contracts were doled out last month by the Carolina Panthers (to fifthyear wide receiver D.J. Moore; three years, $62 million), and the Las Vegas Raiders Raiders (fourthyear defensive end Maxx Crosby; four years, $99 million).
The same day the Buffalo Bills extended eighthyear receiver Stefon Diggs (four years, $96 million, Samuel tweeted: “OHHH OKAYY THEN”
That’s about when Samuel initially requested a trade, the NFL Network reported last week.
“This is normal,” Lynch said of contract negotiations. “I don’t think there’s trouble getting an extension. I wouldn’t read into that. Our track record is pretty good. We’ve never had a significant holdout and our record speaks to that and we don’t plan on one moving forward.
“When you play well here, you’re rewarded, for the most part. We’re proud of that. Our actions have reflected that over time.”
Outside on the training fields and down the halls in the meeting rooms, other 49ers are voluntarily participating in the offseason program, without Samuel.
Instead, Samuel’s been jet-setting across the country, and he’s documented those travels on Instagram. He’s been working out in Houston and in Miami with fellow pros. A week ago, he was hanging out in his native South Carolina with family and friends. Sunday, he was lunching in Malibu with his marketing agents, after being video-tapped at a club a night earlier, according to social media watchdogs.
Right tackle Mike McGlinchey said the 49ers’ locker room is not consumed by the drama.
“Deebo’s business is his business. It’s never something players get into talking about other than congratulations after contract negotiations,” McGlinchey said. “Any player in our locker room, and any player across the league will tell you: ‘Do what you need to do. It’s your livelihood. It’s your family you have to take care of. So guys will never, ever speak to that. It’s none of our business.’
“But it’s not a secret what Deebo means to our football team,” McGlinchey added. “He’s one of our best if not the best player. He deserves everything coming his way. It’s between those guys to figure it out.”