According to Connor Hughes, who covers the New York Jets for The Athletic, the 49ers are unwilling to oblige their disgruntled star player. The team has leverage, after all. Samuel remains under contract for one more year and San Francisco can use the franchise tag in 2023.
"He ain't getting out," a source told Hughes, who said the 49ers have "zero intention" of trading Samuel.
It's unclear if that quote came from inside the 49ers organization or if that is the perception around the league. The team might consider trading Samuel but would likely have to be blown away by an offer. The most likely possibility is the quote came from inside the Jets organization. It aligns nicely with this report from Josina Anderson.
It makes sense that the initial report comes from a Jets reporter. Many quickly mentioned the New York team as a potential trade destination for Samuel, should the 49ers opt for a divorce. There are many former 49ers coaches on the Jets' staff.
What if Samuel's camp decides to play hardball, skipping mandatory training camp? According to Spotrac, that would mean the loss of an accrued season, making Samuel a restricted free agent next offseason rather than an unrestricted free agent, further strengthening the 49ers' leverage.
San Francisco also has its first and only mandatory minicamp from June 13 through June 15. If Samuel is still on the team and not present for that, it would signal he is sticking with his stance. That is the last time the team will gather until training camp at the end of July. The 49ers kicked off their offseason program on Tuesday. Obviously, Samuel did not report.