Kyle Shanahan addresses Deebo Samuel, Nick Bosa's futures

After losing in the NFC Championship game last season, Kyle Shanahan’s San Francisco 49ers had a frenzied offseason surrounding their stars. The expectation was that the franchise would be looking to move on from quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo. Instead, it was 49ers receiver Deebo Samuel who’s dominated their summer with a trade request.

Reports indicated the request wasn’t rooted in a concern over money. To Samuel, it was more about how he’s utilized in the 49ers offense. Although he was incredibly successful as their ‘Swiss Army Knife’ last season, he wanted to play more snaps at his primary receiver position and have a contract that reflected that.

Trade requests have a tendency to turn ugly quick if it’s not handled properly. Samuel did arrive to the team’s mandatory minicamp this week, but that hasn’t changed his stance. Shanahan says his relationship with Samuel is still in a good place and knows it’s just business.

“I think it’s always been alright. We go through the business part of this league and things like that, but I don’t think the relationship was ever too far away to not get it back to normal,” said Shanahan. “I think we’re working on that. Any time you’re away from each other for a while, it’s always harder, but it’s good to get him back in here, and start getting around the guys again.”

With the season drawing nearer, Shanahan says both sides want to find a middle ground before kickoff.

“I love our relationship with Deebo,” he said. “Hopefully, that will help us be able to solve this contractually before we get to the season.”

Samuel isn’t the only 49er looking to get paid this offseason. Two-time Pro Bowl edge Nick Bosa is also eligible for a new deal with two years left on his rookie contract. After tearing his ACL in his second season, Bosa returned to tally 21 tackles for loss and 15.5 sacks. Shanahan says he isn’t as worried with Bosa’s deal as he knows he’ll remain a 49er for years to come.

“I’m not too concerned with it. I fully expect Nick Bosa being here for a very long time,” said Shanahan. “Nick always takes care of himself as good as any athlete I’ve ever been around. He’s ready to play football whenever it’s time to go.”

With both Samuel and Bosa on site, the wheels for both negotiations can start to gain some traction. The 49ers could then turn their attention to this season and making another run at the Super Bowl.