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NFL Insider gives latest on AJ Brown, Deebo Samuel contract disputes

Sean Labarby:Sean Labar•04/22/22•

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Deebo Samuel and AJ Brown have transitioned from the hottest names during the season to now the hottest names this offseason and a recent unconfirmed viral video between the 49ers star and a family member has caught the eyes of the biggest media minds considering the content that was likely released by mistake.

On Friday, Pat McAfee hosted league insider Ian Rapoport to talk about the information that came out in the video and what the NFL Network reporter has heard from the two camps — well technically one — considering both wideouts share the same agent.

McAfee began by noting while it seems legitimate the video is still unconfirmed. The former NFL punter-turned media superstar then recapped a bit of what he heard before getting Rapoport’s side of things.

“Deebo Samuel said, I ain’t got no offer, but he didn’t say it in a spiteful manner and it sounds like there could be some potential room for something to happen between Deebo and the San Francisco 49ers,” McAfee said.

“And to follow up, AJ Brown said in that video he was told he was offered like 20 million, and like ‘hey you could probably make more elsewhere, but this is what we are offering you right now.”

McAfee asked NFL Insider Ian Rapoport what he’s heard about the video and his thoughts overall.

“First of all, I have not corroborated this video is real,” Rapoport responded. “I believe it is, but I want to talk on the assumption that it is real and the people on it are who they say they are or this all just doesn’t make sense.”

Rapoport then shared what he’s heard in regard to Samuel in specific.

“I would say that is correct Deebo Samuel had not received an offer from the 49ers. From my understanding is he said basically, ‘I want to be traded don’t make an offer. So when like— and people of course say it’s always about the money — but I don’t think this is,” the NFL Insider said.

“Now, if he had an offer for $25 million dollars per year, might it have made it difficult to start this whole thing, yeah it would have been something to consider. Had the 49ers made an offer initially, he would have a lot more to think about. But they didn’t, he has told them he doesn’t want them to make an offer and he wants to be traded.”

Earlier on Friday, Dallas Cowboys VP Stephen Jones certainly didn’t shut down Samuel as a potential addition, but it’s hard to see that panning out due to the cap situation there.

Still, since the news broke on Wednesday the former South Carolina star was seeking a trade, there has been a laundry list of potential suitors.

Ian Rapoport on why Deebo Samuel and AJ Brown scenarios differ

The NFL Insider noted the situations are similar to a certain degree, but while Brown may seem publicly frustrated and anything could happen, Rapoport believes even the Titans’ wideout understands the nuances behind these contract negotiations.

”Based on his quote from that video, here’s what I’ll say about Brown,” Rapoport added.

“If he has an offer for 20 million, teams don’t make their best offer right away, these things take time, everyone always makes an offer saying ‘here’s what we can do,’ but then often go up as time goes by,” the NFL Network reporter added. “So if 20 million was the opening offer, to me? That’s a good place to be, because it will probably go up from there, and he should make somewhere between 20-25 so he’s at least in the wheelhouse there.”

Sure, this all feels bizarre but the two respected media minds clearly give the video some credence and Rapoport provided his own insight which was telling.

Ultimately though, while a Deebo Samuel exit from the 49ers now feels all but certain according to the NFL Insider, it’s apparent that Brown could end up with the Titans yet again or the former Ole Miss WR could also wind up traded.

With the NFL Draft just days away, it will be interesting to see if either SEC legend is moved as part of a deal involving picks, players or all of the above.