What 49ers’ John Lynch had to say about Deebo Samuel’s trade request
Cam Inman, Bay Area News Group
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 three-year 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 fifth-year wide receiver D.J. Moore; three years, $62 million), and the Las Vegas Raiders Raiders (fourth-year defensive end Maxx Crosby; four years, $99 million).
The same day the Buffalo Bills extended eighth-year 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.”
NOTES
— Jimmy Garoppolo’s shoulder surgery in March was not prompted by a trade-dependent physical, said Lynch, adding that talks never progressed to that level with prospective suitors.
“That certainly threw a wrench in those things,” Lynch said. “You adapt and move forward. We like a lot of things Jimmy brings to the table. We’re doing what’s best for our team and Jimmy by keeping us with him right now.”
Lynch said he “absolutely” can envision Garoppolo being on the team this coming season, and that his $24 million salary did not prohibit them to be more active in free agency. Lynch cited the recent spree of expensive signings in previous years for a more subdued offseason.
— On Trey Lance being assured he’s the starter, Lynch downplayed such reports and said he believes in competition. “we believe he’s ready and we think he’s ready to show that to us, to teammates, to the world,” Lynch said.
— Running back Elijah Mitchell said he had minor, clean-up surgery on the knee that hindered him at the end of his rookie season. He said he definitely will be ready for training camp, and he hopes to play at 215 pounds.
— Lynch did not deny that center Alex Mack might be retiring, but added, “He hasn’t spoken on it in finality.” Daniel Brunskill was described as a viable candidate to shift over from right guard to center.
— McGlinchey is “full go” some six months into rehabilitation from a quadriceps tear, an injury that traced back years. “It wasn’t just last season. It was years and years of playing football,” McGlinchey said. “I’m a tall, long guy and bend a lot for my job. It will help me in the back end of my career, that I have a whole new quad tendon.”
McGlinchey is entering the final year of his contract, on a fifth-year option at $10.9 million. He said he is not approaching it as a prove-it year, because that would create immense pressure. He hopes to remain with the 49ers long term.
London only played eight games after his season ended with a broken ankle, but his size, athleticism, and flair for the spectacular catch (reminiscent of Mike Evans) will make him a problem for defensive coordinators in the NFL. Projected: Top 15
London only played eight games after his season ended with a broken ankle, but his size, athleticism, and flair for the spectacular catch (reminiscent of Mike Evans) will make him a problem for defensive coordinators in the NFL. Projected: Top 15
Williams has sprinter speed and is a threat to score anytime the ball is in his hands — he set an Alabama single-season record and led the FBS with four touchdowns of 70-plus yards in 2021. He's also proven to be a talented gunner on punt coverage (nine career tackles). He was in the mix to be the first wide receiver drafted before he tore his ACL in the national championship game. Projected: Round 1
Brynn Anderson
Williams has sprinter speed and is a threat to score anytime the ball is in his hands — he set an Alabama single-season record and led the FBS with four touchdowns of 70-plus yards in 2021. He's also proven to be a talented gunner on punt coverage (nine career tackles). He was in the mix to be the first wide receiver drafted before he tore his ACL in the national championship game. Projected: Round 1
Wilson leaves Columbus ranked top 10 in receptions (143), receiving yards (2,213) and receiving touchdowns (23) for the Buckeyes. He can threaten a defense at every level, but will need to improve against physical press corners because of his lean frame and play strength. Projected: Top 15
Jay LaPrete
Wilson leaves Columbus ranked top 10 in receptions (143), receiving yards (2,213) and receiving touchdowns (23) for the Buckeyes. He can threaten a defense at every level, but will need to improve against physical press corners because of his lean frame and play strength. Projected: Top 15
It's rare you find a route technician with reliable hands who can also run this fast. Olave surpassed David Boston as the Buckeyes' all-time leader in touchdown receptions (35). Projected: Round 1
Jay LaPrete
It's rare you find a route technician with reliable hands who can also run this fast. Olave surpassed David Boston as the Buckeyes' all-time leader in touchdown receptions (35). Projected: Round 1
Dotson features the game-breaking speed to beat defenses at all three levels, has excellent hands (only two drops on 138 targets in 2021) and is good against press coverage despite his size. Projected: Rounds 1-2
Barry Reeger
Dotson features the game-breaking speed to beat defenses at all three levels, has excellent hands (only two drops on 138 targets in 2021) and is good against press coverage despite his size. Projected: Rounds 1-2
There are shades of Deebo Samuel here, but in a linebacker-sized package. Burks' physicality, acceleration and vision make him a terror after the catch — he broke 15 tackles on 66 receptions in 2021 — but there is work to do as route runner. Projected: Round 1
Michael Woods
There are shades of Deebo Samuel here, but in a linebacker-sized package. Burks' physicality, acceleration and vision make him a terror after the catch — he broke 15 tackles on 66 receptions in 2021 — but there is work to do as route runner. Projected: Round 1
Moore's elite agility makes him a nightmare in the open field, but he's even more difficult to bring down if a defender gets their hands on him — he broke an FBS-high 26 tackles last year. Speaking of hands, his measured larger than DeAndre Hopkins (known for his giant mitts) — 10 1/4 to 10 inches even. Projected: Rounds 1-2
Keith Srakocic
Moore's elite agility makes him a nightmare in the open field, but he's even more difficult to bring down if a defender gets their hands on him — he broke an FBS-high 26 tackles last year. Speaking of hands, his measured larger than DeAndre Hopkins (known for his giant mitts) — 10 1/4 to 10 inches even. Projected: Rounds 1-2
There aren't many one-on-one battles Pickens won't win. Over 70% of his career catches resulted in a first down or touchdown. Maturity and durability concerns could hurt his draft stock. Projected: Rounds 1-2
Brynn Anderson
There aren't many one-on-one battles Pickens won't win. Over 70% of his career catches resulted in a first down or touchdown. Maturity and durability concerns could hurt his draft stock. Projected: Rounds 1-2
Watson is a classic size/speed combo who has proven to be one of the best home-run hitters in the FCS (20.4 yards per reception during his career) with four touchdowns of at least 65 yards in 2021. Drops are a concern and he's never faced an FBS opponent. Projected: Round 2
Michael Ainsworth
Watson is a classic size/speed combo who has proven to be one of the best home-run hitters in the FCS (20.4 yards per reception during his career) with four touchdowns of at least 65 yards in 2021. Drops are a concern and he's never faced an FBS opponent. Projected: Round 2
Tolbert faced only one Power 5 program over his final 34 games, but showcased his talent with seven receptions, 143 yards and a touchdown against Tennessee last November. He considered offers to attend Michigan State and Vanderbilt, but chose to stay close to home. Projected: Round 2
Butch Dill
Tolbert faced only one Power 5 program over his final 34 games, but showcased his talent with seven receptions, 143 yards and a touchdown against Tennessee last November. He considered offers to attend Michigan State and Vanderbilt, but chose to stay close to home. Projected: Round 2
Bell's route-running is advanced and his YAC ability should make him an impact player early in his career. He doesn't feature the explosive athletic traits some of the higher-ranked prospects do, but he was one of the most productive players at the position in the entire nation during his time in West Lafayette — Bell finished his career with 101.2 receiving yards per game (No. 1 among all active FBS players in 2021). Projected: Rounds 2-3
Khalil Shakir (Sr., Boise State, 5-11, 196)
Shakir is one of the best route-runners in this draft, and is a threat after the catch. The team captain is a jack-of-all-trades who had 71 carries and five pass attempts during his collegiate career. Projected: Rounds 2-3
John Metchie III (Jr., Alabama, 5-11, 187)
Medical evaluations will be important — Metchie was diagnosed with an enlarged heart in high school and suffered a torn ACL in last year's SEC Championship — but he was very productive for the Crimson Tide the last two seasons and is capable of playing inside or outside. Projected: Rounds 2-3
Kyle Phillips (Jr., UCLA, 5-11, 189)
Philips was the biggest star of the Shrine Bowl and virtually uncoverable throughout the week. His size dictates he'll primarily play in the slot at the next level, but his exceptional hands and route-running capabilities should make him a contributor early on. Projected: Rounds 3-4
Alec Pierce (Sr., Cincinnati, 6-3, 211)
Pierce features prototypical size at the position in a draft class that is lacking it. He's still developing as a route runner, but this team captain features excellent ball skills and smooth athleticism — coaches experimented with him at linebacker in his freshman season. Projected: Rounds 3-4
Wan'Dale Robinson (Jr., Kentucky, 5-8, 178)
Robinson is undersized, but his skill set translates to being a slot receiver or return man in the NFL who can create big plays when he gets the ball in space. He transferred from Nebraska and produced 1,334 yards on 104 receptions and seven touchdowns his first season in the SEC. Projected: Rounds 3-4
Calvin Austin III (Sr., Memphis, 5-7, 170)
Austin is an explosive track athlete who isn't getting any bigger, but his surprising ball skills and immense return capabilities will provide a future at the next level. Projected: Rounds 3-6
Justyn Ross (Jr., Clemson, 6-3, 205)
Ross' freshman season screamed future first-rounder — he led the Tigers with 46 receptions for 1,000 yards and nine touchdowns — but then he missed the entire 2020 season due to a congenital fusion condition of his neck and spine that required surgery. Can he return to his pre-injury form? Projected: Rounds 4-7
Kevin Austin Jr. (Jr., Notre Dame, 6-2, 200)
Austin is one of the biggest risk-reward prospects in this draft. His talent and athleticism scream top-level prospect, but injuries and maturity issues essentially kept him off the field until 2021, when we finally caught a glimpse of his true potential. Projected: Rounds 5-7
Makai Polk (So., Mississippi State, 6-3, 195)
Polk set single-season school records for receptions (105) and receiving yards (1,046) in his only season at Starkville. Projected: Rounds 4-7
Michael Conroy
David Bell (Jr., Purdue, 6-0, 212)
Bell's route-running is advanced and his YAC ability should make him an impact player early in his career. He doesn't feature the explosive athletic traits some of the higher-ranked prospects do, but he was one of the most productive players at the position in the entire nation during his time in West Lafayette — Bell finished his career with 101.2 receiving yards per game (No. 1 among all active FBS players in 2021). Projected: Rounds 2-3
Khalil Shakir (Sr., Boise State, 5-11, 196)
Shakir is one of the best route-runners in this draft, and is a threat after the catch. The team captain is a jack-of-all-trades who had 71 carries and five pass attempts during his collegiate career. Projected: Rounds 2-3
John Metchie III (Jr., Alabama, 5-11, 187)
Medical evaluations will be important — Metchie was diagnosed with an enlarged heart in high school and suffered a torn ACL in last year's SEC Championship — but he was very productive for the Crimson Tide the last two seasons and is capable of playing inside or outside. Projected: Rounds 2-3
Kyle Phillips (Jr., UCLA, 5-11, 189)
Philips was the biggest star of the Shrine Bowl and virtually uncoverable throughout the week. His size dictates he'll primarily play in the slot at the next level, but his exceptional hands and route-running capabilities should make him a contributor early on. Projected: Rounds 3-4
Alec Pierce (Sr., Cincinnati, 6-3, 211)
Pierce features prototypical size at the position in a draft class that is lacking it. He's still developing as a route runner, but this team captain features excellent ball skills and smooth athleticism — coaches experimented with him at linebacker in his freshman season. Projected: Rounds 3-4
Wan'Dale Robinson (Jr., Kentucky, 5-8, 178)
Robinson is undersized, but his skill set translates to being a slot receiver or return man in the NFL who can create big plays when he gets the ball in space. He transferred from Nebraska and produced 1,334 yards on 104 receptions and seven touchdowns his first season in the SEC. Projected: Rounds 3-4
Calvin Austin III (Sr., Memphis, 5-7, 170)
Austin is an explosive track athlete who isn't getting any bigger, but his surprising ball skills and immense return capabilities will provide a future at the next level. Projected: Rounds 3-6
Justyn Ross (Jr., Clemson, 6-3, 205)
Ross' freshman season screamed future first-rounder — he led the Tigers with 46 receptions for 1,000 yards and nine touchdowns — but then he missed the entire 2020 season due to a congenital fusion condition of his neck and spine that required surgery. Can he return to his pre-injury form? Projected: Rounds 4-7
Kevin Austin Jr. (Jr., Notre Dame, 6-2, 200)
Austin is one of the biggest risk-reward prospects in this draft. His talent and athleticism scream top-level prospect, but injuries and maturity issues essentially kept him off the field until 2021, when we finally caught a glimpse of his true potential. Projected: Rounds 5-7
Makai Polk (So., Mississippi State, 6-3, 195)
Polk set single-season school records for receptions (105) and receiving yards (1,046) in his only season at Starkville. Projected: Rounds 4-7
What 49ers’ John Lynch had to say about Deebo Samuel’s trade request
Randy Vazquez/Bay Area News Group/TNS
San Francisco 49ers' Deebo Samuel (19), left, speaks with head coach Kyle Shanahan, right, during practice at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, California, on Wednesday, Aug. 26, 2020. (Randy Vazquez/Bay Area News Group/TNS)
Randy Vazquez/Bay Area News Group/TNS
San Francisco 49ers' Deebo Samuel (19), left, speaks with head coach Kyle Shanahan, right, during practice at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, California, on Wednesday, Aug. 26, 2020. (Randy Vazquez/Bay Area News Group/TNS)
