Quarterback Trey Lance was among several San Francisco 49ers teammates who reached out to wide receiver Deebo Samuel during an offseason filled with rumors and speculation. Lance was probably curious if he would have Samuel to throw to in 2022. After starting just two games during his rookie season, the 22-year-old second-year player is slated to be the 49ers' starting quarterback.
Samuel and the 49ers finally agreed on a contract extension this week. On Monday, the do-it-all receiver signed a three-year deal worth up to $73.5 million, ensuring that fans will enjoy Trey-to-Deebo connections through at least the 2025 season.
During the offseason, though, Lance was just as curious about the situation as everyone else. After all, the rift grew so big that Samuel requested to be traded in April.
"He was definitely calling here and there, like, 'Yo, Deebo, how you doing?'" Samuel shared with reporters on Tuesday, his first public discussion with the media since the week leading to the Super Bowl. "Like, 'I'm good, bro.' He's like, 'What's going on?' I was like, 'Bro, we'll figure it out. Whenever we figure it out, we'll be back at work.'"
Lance could have benefitted from having Samuel to throw to all offseason, ensuring the chemistry between the two players is strong when the 49ers face the Chicago Bears in Week 1. While Samuel was around for San Francisco's mandatory minicamp in June, he didn't participate in team activities. He reported on time for training camp last week, spending most of his time working on conditioning on the side. After officially signing his deal, the receiver finally practiced with his teammates for the first time on Monday.
There have been ups and downs for Lance in training camp, which doesn't come as a big surprise to Samuel. That has more to do with what Lance faces each day than the quarterback's ability.
What has Samuel learned about his new starting quarterback in the short time he's had to haul in passes this offseason from the former No. 3 overall pick?
"He's getting smarter by the day," Samuel shared. "I don't think he realized that we do have the best defense in the league, and it's going to be hard to complete the ball. Nothing is going to be on time right now in practice because our D-line is amazing but we're figuring out ways to figure it out."
