5 49ers players now in line for extensions after Deebo Samuel got paid

The 49ers finally rewarded Deebo Samuel with a hefty contract extension, yet these five other players should be anxiously waiting in line.

It might not have been the No. 1 topic San Francisco 49ers fans were discussing all offseason (that probably has to do with quarterbacks), but it was certainly up there: whether or not the Niners would either deal All-Pro wide receiver Deebo Samuel or would reward him with a lucrative contract extension.

Well, San Francisco didn’t trade Samuel despite his request, so one could cross that off the list. And as far as the extension went, the 2019 second-round NFL Draft pick finally got his one week into training camp with the 49ers issuing a three-year extension worth up to $71.55 million.

There have been some exceptions, yes. But the Niners do have a history of rewarding their top players, and Samuel is the latest in a solid line of stars who have received serious money.

Meanwhile, though, there are other players on San Francisco’s roster who are likely looking towards their next payday and are probably awaiting those discussions, preferably sooner than later.

Especially these five who are next in line.

Note: All contractual and cap information, courtesy of Over the Cap unless otherwise indicated.

No. 5: 49ers linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair

The 49ers have a great situation at linebacker heading into 2022 with All-Pro Fred Warner already having received his own extension a year ago, supported by two starting-caliber linebackers in Dre Greenlaw and Azeez Al-Shaair.

Both are pegged for free agency in 2023, too.

Despite the salary cap expected to increase significantly next offseason, having both Al-Shaair and Greenlaw on the roster under long-term contracts probably isn’t sustainable, and the Niners may be forced to choose between the two.

But who?

Greenlaw, the fifth-round pick from the 2019 draft, might have a bit bigger pedigree despite missing the bulk of 2021 with a groin injury, which afforded Al-Shaair, a former undrafted free agent, the chance to shine in a starter’s role.

An extension might boil down to whoever winds up being cheaper in this case, and the smart money probably goes in Al-Shaair’s direction, and he’d happily accept a pay increase and a bigger role if Greenlaw ends up walking.