This offseason, Samuel watched as other wideouts earned big paydays. The 49ers star had a breakout 2021 campaign, amassing 1,770 all-purpose yards and 14 total touchdowns while showing off his versatility as a pass-catcher and ball-carrier.
"He did show up to mandatory minicamp," Darlington said on SportsCenter, per The Spun, "but that was mostly, I'm told, to avoid the fines that would've come with it. Deebo and the 49ers have some reconciliation that they need to go through when it comes to their relationship.
"The 49ers want to make this work. They have no interest whatsoever in trading Deebo, but Samuel still wants, number one, a new contract, and number two, to be traded. He's clearly not that happy with the situation with the 49ers, but unless it comes in the form of a new contract, it's hard for me to fathom Deebo Samuel on the field to start training camp."
Last month, general manager John Lynch seemingly guaranteed that Samuel would remain a member of the 49ers in 2022.
"We haven't traded him, and I'd be a fool to trade him. So yes, Deebo will be part of the 49ers this season," Lynch said while expressing optimism that the team would figure out the contract situation.
Samuel is preparing to enter his fourth NFL season. He has recorded 167 receptions for 2,598 yards with 10 receiving touchdowns in his three seasons. His eight rushing touchdowns in 2021 set a single-season record for a wide receiver.
More San Francisco 49ers News
-
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... -
49ers' Deebo Samuel denies struggles, blames lack of opportunitiesĀ
San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Deebo Samuel has faced criticism in recent weeks for underwhelming performances. Eric Branch of the San Francisco Chronicle noted that Samuel has accumulated just 97 total yards over his last four games. Deebo Samuel has 97 total yards in his... -
49ers GM John Lynch addresses Deebo Samuel's struggles amid social media denial
San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Deebo Samuel has struggled to replicate the statistical success of his breakout 2021 season. Samuel racked up 1,770 scrimmage yards and 14 total touchdowns that year, earning a massive contract extension. His career-high 1,405 receiving yards...