While the 49ers are focused on Saturday night's playoff bout with the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field, one NFL insider discussed the possibility of a 49ers-Samuel contract negotiation starting once their playoff run is over.
"Deebo Samuel has emerged as one of the top weapons in the NFL," Ian Rapoport said Saturday on NFL Network, "and it sounds like he's about to get paid like one. Here's why. The San Francisco 49ers are among the most proactive teams when it comes to contract extensions.
"Deebo Samuel [is] heading into the final year of his [rookie] deal and has emerged as the go-to guy for the team, likely their MVP. [He's] third in the NFL in all-purpose yards for a receiver, which is just crazy."
Samuel is the 49ers' leading receiver, catching 77 passes for 1,405 yards and six touchdowns through 16 games this season. He also carried the football 59 times for 365 rushing yards and a team-leading eight rushing touchdowns.
Samuel added 10 carries for 72 rushing yards, a rushing touchdown, and three catches for 38 receiving yards in the 49ers' 23-17 playoff win against the Dallas Cowboys last weekend.
"I'm told both sides are interested in looking at a potential blockbuster deal this offseason," Rapoport continued. "There is motivation to do it because his price is only getting higher. He's a receiver who can also play running back. No doubt he's going to want to get paid like a receiver. The key question here: Does this reach $20 million per year?"
Related News
More San Francisco 49ers News
-
Rapoport: 49ers committed to paying Brock Purdy despite struggles
The San Francisco 49ers entered the 2024 season with Super Bowl aspirations but have faced a disappointing campaign, now teetering on the brink of playoff elimination. The challenges have placed quarterback Brock Purdy under some scrutiny by his critics, raising questions about... -
Rapoport: 49ers plan to activate Dre Greenlaw ahead of Rams game
NFL insider Ian Rapoport reports that the San Francisco 49ers plan to activate linebacker Dre Greenlaw from the physically unable to perform (PUP) list ahead of Thursday night's game against the Los Angeles Rams. The move will likely be finalized as part of the team's pre-game... -
Deebo Samuel, De'Vondre Campbell succumb to frustration as 49ers season washes away
In a rain-soaked stadium, facing their mirror image once again, the San Francisco 49ers stood by and let their season slip away. If not officially, the 12-6 loss to the Los Angeles Rams marks the end of San Francisco's faint playoff hopes. The 49ers, who now fall to 6-8, have... -
49ers-Rams: Deebo Samuel takes accountability for crucial dropped pass
Just days after making headlines for suggesting a lack of opportunities was at the root of his diminished production this season, San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Deebo Samuel was upfront Thursday night about a pivotal dropped pass that potentially took points off the board...