Reporters wouldn’t let John Lynch off the hook Monday.
The 49ers general manager spoke to the media in Santa Clara, for what was supposed to be a press conference focused on the upcoming 2022 NFL Draft, which begins Thursday night in Las Vegas. Instead, Lynch spend most of his 25 minutes deflecting a flood of Deebo Samuel questions, as it marked the GM’s first media availability since his wide receiver reportedly requested a trade.
During his more than five-minute long opening statement, Lynch told reporters he understood that Deebo questions were coming, but that he wouldn’t speak much on the topic.
“I’m not gonna talk about that much today because I don’t think it’s that productive,” Lynch said. “I don’t wanna speak on behalf of Deebo and his team."
Lynch didn’t want to discuss the “particulars” of the situation – like whether or not Samuel and his agent Tory Dandy have formally requested a trade. But Lynch said Deebo isn’t the type of player you want to see leave your organization.
“We’ve got nothing but love for him and nothing for appreciation for what he’s brought,” Lynch said. “You just don’t let guys like that walk. I don’t envision a scenario where we would.”
Samuel was spotted at a nightclub this past weekend and appeared to make his intentions known that he doesn’t want to return to the 49ers. The 26-year-old talent reportedly was unhappy with his dual-threat role as a wide receiver/running back and there are more issues at play simply than the possible contract extension he hasn’t received this offseason. It’s also worth noting that other top wideouts like Tyreek Hill, Davante Adams and Stefon Diggs each negotiated lucrative new deals this offseason.
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As of last week, a source told 95.7 The Game’s Damon Bruce that Deebo hasn’t received an opening offer from the 49ers. Then reports surfaced that Deebo’s camp told the 49ers not to make an offer in the first place. It’s all been a big drama-filled headache for the franchise’s resident diva Deebo Samuel, but Lynch is staying positive.
“We pride ourselves for our communication with our players,” Lynch said. “This case is no different. I’m confident we can find the solutions to work through whatever is going on.”
Fellow Niners star Nick Bosa, meanwhile, secured his fifth-year extension and his agent remains in conversations with the team about a long-term deal, Lynch told reporters. Bosa could be the next in line following players like Fred Warner, George Kittle, DeForest Buckner and Dee Ford to lock up a big four- or five-year extension.
Without addressing Deebo directly, Lynch said the franchise has a track record of committing to its players.
“I think our track record’s excellent when you look at players,” Lynch said. “The fact that we’ve never had a significant holdout since we’ve been here speaks to that. We don’t plan on doing that moving forward. … There’s really good lines of communication. When you play well here, you’re rewarded, for the most part. We’re proud of that. It’s not about words, it’s about our actions and I think our actions have reflected that over time.”