There are some tough decisions coming up for the San Francisco 49ers as they gear up to have a top-of-market quarterback contract on their books.
One of those tough decisions could involve wide receiver Deebo Samuel, who is coming off a disappointing year and has an expensive contract the 49ers could save some money on by releasing him with a post-June 1 designation.
General manager John Lynch on Wednesday said the team planned to release veteran defensive tackle Javon Hargrave with that designation. He did not say the same for Samuel, who is a popular trade candidate in pre-offseason speculation.
“Yeah,” said Lynch when asked if he expects Samuel back. “A good player and has done a ton for this organization and we’re not in the business of letting good players out of here.”
It appeared throughout the year like Samuel might be in the midst of a rapid decline out of his prime, which catalyzed some of the speculation about his future in San Francisco.
However, late in the year he put together a vintage performance against the Miami Dolphins where he caught seven passes for 96 yards and a touchdown, and ran five times for 25 yards. More importantly, he forced six missed tackles on his seven catches, and another on one of his five carries per Pro Football Focus.
The eye test matched the numbers with his burst and explosiveness both reminiscent of the player who carried the 49ers’ offense through the 2021 season, and at various points the following two years.
Perhaps Samuel was dealing with an injury all year or some ailment that kept him from being the best version of himself. If that’s the case and the 49ers are privy to it, it makes a ton of sense to ensure he stays in the Bay Area for at least one more season.
