All of that is music to Deebo Samuel's ears. The San Francisco 49ers receiver seemingly reacted to news of Diggs' deal, as he has to several other receiver contracts before it.
Samuel knows that every high-priced deal that gets done before the 49ers lock up their fourth-year wideout to an extension likely means more money in his bank account. Of course, while Samuel's new deal may not surpass the top of the market, expecting to sign the dynamic offensive weapon to anything less than $20 million to $25 million annually—possibly more—would be wishful thinking by the 49ers.
It's not exactly apples to oranges, though. Hill has surpassed 1,000 receiving yards in four of his six seasons. Adams has surpassed that mark in three of the past four seasons, including a career-high 1,553 receiving yards in 2021. Diggs had over 1,000 receiving yards in each of the past four seasons.
Last season was the first time Samuel surpassed 1,000 receiving yards. He put up an impressive 802 receiving yards as a rookie in 2019. He had just 391 receiving yards during an injury-hindered 2020 campaign.
Samuel had a breakout year in 2021, though, recording 1,405 receiving yards and six receiving touchdowns. However, that doesn't tell the whole story. The self-designated "wide back" also recorded 365 rushing yards and eight rushing touchdowns, with the latter being an NFL record for a receiver.
That's 1,770 total yards and 14 total touchdowns for the receiver-running back hybrid. His versatility may make him even more valuable. He also managed to remain relatively healthy in 2021 despite the heavier workload.
Samuel was also the first 49ers wide receiver to surpass 1,000 receiving yards since 2014, when Anquan Boldin recorded 1,062. Yes, George Kittle did it in 2018 and 2019, but Samuel was the first 49ers wideout to accomplish the feat since Boldin.
Head coach Kyle Shanahan recently praised his star receiver, responding that he'd "recommend" the 49ers sign Samuel to an extension when asked to share his thoughts on the contract situation.
"I haven't had anybody like Deebo, ever," Shanahan added, "someone who is built like him, who is more like a running back with just the way he can take hits and the way his body can deliver a blow. Then you go with his speed, which allows him to be a receiver. You go to his toughness, his hands.
"People don't realize how smart Deebo is too, and he's one of the smartest players I've been around. Nothing's too big for him."
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