Deebo Samuel's holdout from the San Francisco 49ers may extended beyond their offseason workout programs. According to an ESPN report, the 26-year-old playmaker no longer wants to play for the team, as he recently requested a trade, for reasons he's yet to explain. Although both sides have reached an impasse on contract talks, Samuel's frustration is reportedly centered around his hybrid pass-catching role in the the 49ers' offense.
The drama between Samuel and the 49ers has been brewing. Earlier in the month, Samuel removed all team-related pictures and content from his own Instagram account, and also unfollowed San Francisco's social media page. Following the scrubbing, the public learned of his decision to skip voluntary workouts, currently underway. Samuel is entering the final year of his rookie contract, and several star receivers have earned big paydays this offseason.
"I'd think that, if it's just about money or how he's used on the field, that'd be something -- because their relationship is close -- they'd be able to resolve," 49ers reporter Jennifer Lee Chan explained to After Hours with Amy Lawrence on Thursday. "I'd think there's got to be something. For him to scrub his social media, to say all of the things he said, and now saying he's requested a trade, it's got to be something bigger than the position he plays, money situation...
"I'd think they know what the range is, with all the receivers getting what they were paid. From Christian Kirk to Tyreek Hill, getting the top-end. I'd think that they're not going to lowball him. I think they knew that they'd have to pay him around $20 million to keep him on the team. My gut instinct is saying there's something else than money and position. Because I'd think that those things would be reconcilable with Kyle [Shanahan], because of their relationship."
Samuel, who was drafted 36th overall by the 49ers back in 2019, is coming off an incredible breakthrough season. In 16 games, the dynamic wideout racked up 1,405 receiving yards -- the NFL's fifth-highest mark -- with six touchdowns and a league-best 18.2 yards per reception. Samuel also showcased his talent as a backfield threat, rushing for 365 yards with eight touchdowns -- a league single-season record for a receiver.
With stellar contributions from Samuel, the 49ers (10-7) clinched an NFC wild card berth, and managed to reach the conference title game against the rival Los Angeles Rams. Samuel's cap hit for the 2022 season is only $4.8 million, and Spotrac has listed his current market value at $89 million over four years. Under these terms, he'd become the league's fifth-highest paid wideout and the 28th-highest paid player.
The entire 49ers conversation between Chan and Lawrence can be accessed in the audio player above.
You can follow After Hours With Amy Lawrence on Twitter @ALawRadio and @AfterHoursCBS, and Tom Hanslin @TomHanslin.