GM John Lynch: 49ers have ‘had really productive and substantive talks’ with Deebo Samuel on contract

The San Francisco 49ers officially have a new starting quarterback in 2021 rookie Trey Lance, who has replaced veteran Jimmy Garoppolo atop the depth chart as of the opening of training camp. 

That situation may be settled, but one massive uncertainty hovers over the organization as of the final week of July. 

Last week, a trainer for 49ers dual-threat offensive weapon and All-Pro selection Deebo Samuel confidently declared that Samuel was “about to get paid” rather than be asked to play on the final year of his rookie contract coming off his offseason trade request. Samuel, who attended the club’s mandatory minicamp in June, reported for training camp on Tuesday even though he hasn’t yet been paid, and general manager John Lynch made it seem while speaking with reporters that he believes a deal will ultimately get done this summer. 

“We’ve had really productive and substantive talks,” Lynch explained about the situation, per Myles Simmons of Pro Football Talk. “I don’t want to get everyone all excited that something’s imminent because we’re not there yet. But, really hopeful that in the near future we’ll be able to announce something that’s exciting for everyone involved. So, that’s good. Deebo’s here today and we’re excited about moving forward with him as a part of this team.”

Samuel recorded 1,405 receiving yards, 365 rushing yards and 14 total offensive touchdowns with an additional passing score during the 2021 season and allegedly wants to feature primarily as a wide receiver moving forward. Head coach Kyle Shanahan said on Tuesday he and Samuel are now “on the exact same page” regarding the 26-year-old’s role in the offense, but Lynch wouldn’t confirm Samuel will participate in practices without an extension. 

“We’re focused on getting something done,” Lynch added during his comments. “Deadlines, there’s not a hard deadline, but deadlines have a way of spurring these things into action. And that’s, like I said, we’ve had a number of productive talks and hopeful that something’s going to happen here in the near future.”