Deebo Samuel Reports To Mandatory Minicamp Despite Trade Request
Jun 7, 2022, 1:03 PM | Updated: Jul 13, 2022, 1:14 pm
Michael Zagaris/San Francisco 49ers/Getty Images
You can breath a little easier 49ers fans.
Disgruntled star wide receiver Deebo Samuel reported to the team’s mandatory minicamp Tuesday, despite not reaching a deal on a new contract extension yet.
Samuel and the 49ers have been in the rumor mill for the entire offseason after the disgruntled All-Pro officially requested a trade in April. To the 49ers credit, they have stood pat that Deebo is not for sale and will remain on the team for the 2022 season and now it seems ever more likely after he returned to the practice field this week.
“Well, we haven’t traded him, and — I’ve used the word fool — I’d be a fool to trade him, so yes, Deebo will be part of the 49ers this season,” 49ers General Manager John Lynch said, per NBC Sports Bay Area.
While the contract situation continues to linger on between Samuel and the front office, him at least attending minicamp is a step in the right direction for the organization as a whole.
“I think it’s always been all right,” head coach Kyle Shanahan told reporters Tuesday regarding the contract situation, “I don’t think the relationship was ever too far away to not get back to normal.”
While Samuel was on the field Tuesday, he only participated in light running off to the side, according to reports.
Skipping minicamp would have been the biggest concern for the 49ers faithful as the mandatory work is subject to possible fines if Deebo had chosen to hold out. Only excused absences from the team, like the one quarterback Jimmy Garropolo was given, would be allowed under NFL rules.
Additionally, star pass rusher Nick Bosa is also in the building for Niners minicamp on Day 1 after appearing for his physical Monday, according to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport. The fourth-year defensive end had previously not attended OTAs, like Samuel, and is also in line for a new contract as well.
An all-purpose offensive weapon, Samuel amassed 1,405 receiving yards and 365 rushing yards with 14 total TDs in 16 regular-season games in 2021, leading the 49ers to an NFC Championship appearance. Only 26-years-old, Deebo should be in line for a massive extension and with the two sides now on the same field, a new deal looks to be on the horizon.
