NFL rumors: 49ers, Deebo Samuel have mutual interest in ‘blockbuster extension’

The San Francisco 49ers and wide receiver Deebo Samuel reportedly have mutual interest in getting a “blockbuster extension” completed this offseason.

The 49ers seem to know what they have in Deebo Samuel and are set to do what they can to keep him around in the long term.

Ahead of San Francisco’s big playoff matchup with the Packers, Ian Rapoport reported that the team and the wide receiver are on the same page about getting a contract extension worked out this year.

49ers and Deebo Samuel want to get a contract extension done

“I’m told both sides are interested in looking at a potential blockbuster deal this offseason,” Rapoport said. “There is motivation to do it because his price is only getting higher.”

The dollars in that deal will have to get figured out by the parties involved but Rapoport mused about Samuel getting something close to or exceeding $20 million per year.

Cowboys receiver Amari Cooper makes $20 million per year, according to Spotrac. He is the highest-paid receiver in the league with Kansas City’s Tyreek Hill following at just over $18 million per year.

Whatever number Samuel makes, it’ll be a massive pay raise for the third-year player. He is scheduled to make just over $2 million in 2022. That may increase by a factor of 10 in the next few months.

San Francisco drafted Samuel in 2019 with the 36th-overall pick out of South Carolina. He excited with 961 yards from scrimmage and six total touchdowns. His 2020 season was more muted as he played just seven games. However, his return to form in 2021 left little doubt about his value. He racked up 1770 yards from scrimmage and 14 touchdowns while becoming the main man in the 49ers offense.

It doesn’t matter if Jimmy Garoppolo or Trey Lance is the one throwing passes his way, Samuel is a playmaker San Francisco wants lighting up Levi’s Stadium for a long time.