NFL insider gives update on Deebo Samuel contract situation following decision to attend training camp

San Fransisco 49ers wide receiver Deebo Samuel has reported to 49ers training camp amidst his contract negation with the team. NFL insider Ian Rapoport spoke on NFL Total Access about where Samuel and the Niners currently stand regarding his contract extension.

“The 49ers are trying, and the fact that Deebo Samuel showed up to training camp is a good sign,” Rapoport said. “They’ve had some constructive conversations and we want to talk about money, and when you’re talking about a new potential contract money is important, but there’s a lot of other things in play here with Deebo Samuel. His role sounds like it is just as important as money, he did not want to be used 15 times between the tackles this year like he was at times last year, so it seems as Kyle Shanahan mentioned today, that they are on the same page with his role, he will be a receiver with occasional carries, that is what he wants.”

Samuel was an electric receiving and rushing threat for the 49ers last season, posting 77 receptions for 1,405 yards and 6 touchdowns in the air along with 365 yards and 8 touchdowns on the ground. Samuel’s reception yardage was good for 5th best in the NFL, and his value in the running game is apparent. But with San Fransisco battling injuries in their running back room last season, they should not be as reliant on Samuel in their ground attack as long as they stay healthy this season.

“Now it didn’t sound to me like they are close on the money, I know the 49ers describe themselves as hopeful, sounds like there’s still plenty of work to be done but at least they are working on it and he is in the building, so we’ll see if they can eventually get something done,” Rapoport said.

The 49ers seem optimistic and Samuel did arrive at camp, but it will be interesting to see if he practices as he could face fines if he doesn’t participate, fines that cannot be paid back under the newest collective bargaining agreement. Samuel is heading into the last year of his rookie contact, a four year $7.2 million contract with $4.7 million guaranteed.

With Samuel proving himself as one of the top receivers in the league, and many of the leagues top receivers making upwards of $20 million per year, it’ll be interesting to see where the 49ers land with his deal. Especially because they also still have elite edge rusher Nick Bosa under his rookie deal, who is also due for a contract extension.