Why 49ers pay big bucks to Deebo Samuel (and why they won’t)

It seems simple: The 49ers need to pay Deebo Samuel. But there are probably just as many reasons why there’s no deal yet as to why there needs to be.

All-Pro wide receiver Deebo Samuel is one of the San Francisco 49ers’ best players. Last year, amid the Niners’ trip to the NFC Championship game, he was head coach Kyle Shanahan’s best offensive player.

There’s no other argument.

Entering the final year of his rookie contract, which marks the first year of eligibility for an extension, Samuel appears to be at an impasse with San Francisco in what are likely the opening stages of such talks. Perhaps those talks went sour quickly, Samuel subsequently scrubbing his social media of all things 49ers-related. Whether or not he’s that upset or just wants to come off that way as a negotiating tactic is anyone’s guess.

But it has fueled the discussion. That part is known.

It’s likely Samuel wants more than $22 million in annual-average value, especially considering he’s one of arguably the five best wideouts in the game right now, and his 1,770 all-purpose yards from 2021 (third in the entire league) showcased his dual-purpose abilities as a “wide back.”

However, the difference could be in guarantees, which is where contract values truly reside. The Niners, historically, haven’t dished out massive guarantees in previous deals. They might have to with Samuel if he winds up sticking around.

Either way, and amid the standoff between the wide receiver and his employing team, let’s break down why San Francisco ultimately ends up inking him to a lucrative extension.

As well as the reasons why the 49ers don’t.