San Francisco traded Buckner ahead of the 2020 draft after the two sides couldn't agree to terms on a contract extension.
Samuel proved to be a valuable contributor for the 49ers in 2021. He racked up 1,770 total yards of offense and 14 total touchdowns, not including his touchdown pass in Week 18. However, his 1,405 receiving yards marked the first time he surpassed the 1,000-yard mark in his three NFL seasons. Samuel also missed 10 combined games in his first two seasons.
Serving as a wide receiver and lining up as a running back in the backfield has many wondering how much more punishment Samuel can take in Kyle Shanahan's offense.
"With heavy mileage on his odometer from last year's do-everything season, and an injury past that led to nine missed games in 2020, Samuel may be looking for more guaranteed money in exchange for a lower annual salary," wrote Christian D'Andrea for USA Today's For The Win.
On Tuesday, ESPN's Adam Schefter reported that Samuel may not want to get a deal done with the 49ers right now. In fact, the NFL insider wonders if the wide receiver is looking for a change of scenery.
"This, I think, right now, is Deebo Samuel not wanting to get a deal done," Schefter said on-air. "It's not San Francisco not willing to do the deal. The 49ers are ready. Deebo Samuel is the one that has put a halt to everything for right now."
On Tuesday, Samuel's brother, Tyquan Samuel, commented on Facebook that the 49ers wide receiver might be looking to seek a trade. Of course, part of the delay might be Samuel's camp waiting to see what happens with other receivers from his draft class, like A.J. Brown, Terry McLaurin, and D.K. Metcalf. Samuel has already seen other wide receivers, like Davante Adams and Tyreek Hill, cash in this offseason.
D'Andrea projected what a contract extension for Samuel might look like—assuming he and the 49ers repair their relationship. After all, Samuel recently scrubbed his Instagram account of all things 49ers-related. He would prefer to feature a blank profile picture than one of him wearing red and gold.
D'Andrea believes a fair deal for both sides would pay Samuel up to $125 million over five years and include $55 million guaranteed. While he would not be the league's highest-paid wideout, he would set a new NFL record for the most guaranteed money at signing for a receiver.
The $25 million average salary would rank fourth among NFL wide receivers, behind only Hill, Adams, and DeAndre Hopkins.
"It's a deal San Francisco could live with; Jimmy Garoppolo's contract expires after 2022," wrote D'Andrea. "With presumptive starter Trey Lance set to make just about $9 million in 2023, San Francisco would have nearly $60 million in spending room before hitting the salary cap."
More San Francisco 49ers News
-
Mock draft has 49ers selecting pass rusher who 'tested like Myles Garrett'
Defensive end Shemar Stewart may have recorded just 4.5 sacks in three seasons at Texas A&M, a modest total that doesn't typically scream "top draft pick" to teams needing pass rushers. However, his physical traits and potential have captured the NFL's attention, making him... -
Insider: 'There's not a rush' in 49ers-Brock Purdy contract talks
Brock Purdy and the San Francisco 49ers would ideally like to finalize a contract extension sooner rather than later. However, we always knew these negotiations were going to be complicated. Both sides must determine where Purdy ranks among NFL quarterbacks—a key factor... -
DE Sam Okuayinonu signs one-year exclusive rights contract with 49ers
The San Francisco 49ers announced that defensive end Sam Okuayinonu, an exclusive rights free agent, has signed the one-year tender offered to him last month. The San Francisco 49ers today announced that DL Sam Okuayinonu has signed his one-year exclusive rights tendered... -
Insider: I don't think Brock Purdy holds out amid 49ers contract talks
In January, San Francisco 49ers management and quarterback Brock Purdy expressed a mutual desire to finalize a contract extension as quickly as possible. When asked if he might sit out organized team activities (OTAs) or minicamps should negotiations stall, Purdy acknowledged...