49ers, Deebo Samuel agree to long-anticipated contract extension

The long-winded saga between Deebo Samuel and the 49ers has come to an end, with the star receiver signing a three-year extension.

The San Francisco 49ers had spent the entire 2022 offseason stating they would never move from a player of All-Pro wide receiver Deebo Samuel‘s caliber.

Despite his trade request never being rescinded, the Niners felt strongly that they could get a deal done with their top offensive weapon from a year ago despite having not offered a contract when many thought it was time.

Just a day before pads go on in training camp, they got an extension done, as reported by ESPN’s Adam Schefter:

The deal is for three years and $71.55 million, with $58.1 million guaranteed. More details will come out about the nature of the guarantees since San Francisco has typically been unique and very team-friendly in how deals get structured.

The max value of the contract could be $73.5 million.

How Deebo Samuel’s deal relates to other WR contracts

The most obvious parallel with Samuel’s deal is that of Seattle Seahawks wide receiver D.K. Metcalf, who signed his contract a few days sooner. His contract was for three years, $72 million with $58.2 million in guarantees.

This puts Samuel right in line with Metcalf’s deal, slotting him roughly seventh in terms of the annual average value for wide receivers, per Spotrac.com.

How Deebo Samuel’s extension impacts 49ers

Samuel is one-of-one in the NFL, a true offensive enigma whose natural vision with the ball in his hands coupled with his durable frame and explosive ability makes him a YAC threat without comparison. He’s the type of player offenses revolve around, and this was apparent last year when his usage as a receiver and running back defined the 49ers’ late-year surge all the way to the NFC Championship game.

Having him locked down and ready to go is always a good thing.

The impact of Samuel’s signing, though, is amplified by the Niners’ attempt to integrate second-year quarterback Trey Lance as the starter. The first week of training camp practice was without pads, so it wasn’t truly indicative of how the offense will play, but there was a noticeable hole.

More importantly, Lance needs to develop camaraderie and connection with one of his main targets. Fellow wideout Brandon Aiyuk’s stalwart performance in camp so far demonstrates how important a relationship between receiver and quarterback can be.

A surprising twist to the Deebo Samuel contract

There is one thing, though, about Samuel’s contract that is surprising: The length.

Three years made sense for a player like Metcalf, who is only 24 years old and will be entering his physical prime, likely to command another max contract. Samuel, on the other hand, will be 29 years old at the end of his contract and plays a physical brand of football. Coupled with head coach Kyle Shanahan’s reluctance to guarantee no more usage of Samuel at running back, there are real questions about the receiver’s durability and his health at the end of this bridge contract.

Regardless, however, San Francisco has wrapped up the most important part of its offseason work and will now be able to work solely on the true goal: winning a Super Bowl.

Having Samuel under contract can only guarantee those odds increase.