49ers GM ‘can’t imagine’ trading Deebo Samuel: ‘He’s too good’

All-Pro wide receiver Deebo Samuel told ESPN last week that he had requested a trade from the San Francisco 49ers

San Francisco 49ers general manager John Lynch says he can’t ever imagine trading All-Pro wide receiver Deebo Samuel and remains confident the two sides can still work out a long-term contract.

The star receiver told ESPN last week that he had requested a trade from the 49ers but didn’t specify his reasons for wanting out.

Lynch, speaking at a pre-draft news conference, said the team will always listen to offers but stressed his commitment to keeping Samuel on the 49ers roster.

“I just can’t ever imagine moving on from him,” Lynch said. “He’s been such a great player for us. He means so much to this franchise. Got nothing but love for the guy.”

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Watch San Francisco wide receiver Deebo Samuel throw a touchdown pass to Juan Jennings against the Rams

Samuel is entering the final year of the rookie deal he signed after being drafted in the second round in 2019 and is looking to take advantage of the exploding market of receiver contracts.

Samuel finished last season with 1,770 yards from scrimmage and 14 touchdowns, yet is set to earn $4m in 2022. Meanwhile, eight receivers have got new contracts this offseason worth at least $18m a year, including Tyreek Hill and Davante Adams after trades from their old teams.

The Green Bay Packers got a first and second-round pick from the Las Vegas Raiders for Adams, while the Kansas City Chiefs got a first, a second and three lower-round picks from the Miami Dolphins for Hill.

Former Kansas City Chiefs receiver Tyreek Hill joined the Miami Dolphins in a blockbuster trade deal this offseason

The Niners don’t have a first-round pick in this year’s draft – live on Sky Sports NFL, Friday, 1am – after trading theirs away last season to move up for quarterback Trey Lance, but they remain steadfast in not wanting to deal their top playmaker.

“I think he’s the perfect illustration – Herm Edwards used to talk about – when will meets skill you’ve got the opportunity to be special,” Lynch added. “I think Deebo probably embodies that as much as anyone.

“He’s got tremendous will, he’s a very talented player. I think by virtue of the way he plays, it’s inspiring. You just don’t let guys like that walk. I cant envision a scenario where we would.”

49ers exercise fifth-year option on Bosa contract

Elsewhere, the 49ers have announced that they’ve exercised the fifth-year option on defensive end Nick Bosa’s rookie contract. Bosa will earn a guaranteed $17.8m in 2023.

The San Francisco 49ers have exercised the fifth-year option on defensive end Nick Bosa’s rookie contract

The former No 2 overall pick in the 2019 Draft, Bosa racked up a career-best 15.5 sacks in 2021 and has 24.5 total sacks in 35 games (33 starts) in the NFL.

He missed all but two games of the 2020 season with an ACL injury but made the Pro Bowl in his rookie season and 2021.

“We’re going to do everything we can to keep him a part of this organization,” Lynch said. “He’s a foundational player, much like Deebo, a difference-maker.

“At the appropriate time we will endeavor to make that a reality, that he’s here for a long time.”

Lynch also said quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo will resume throwing in June, be that he is not expected to be at full strength until training camp begins in July as he continues his rehab from shoulder surgery.

Quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo is expected to leave the San Francisco 49ers ahead of the 2022 season

Garoppolo is 31-14 as the starter in San Francisco, completing 67.7 percent of his passes for 11,162 yards and 66 touchdowns against 38 interceptions. He is 4-2 in six postseason starts.

The 49ers selected Lance with the No 3 overall pick in the 2021 Draft and he is expected to be the team’s starter in 2022, though Lynch reiterated that the team would not be releasing Garoppolo.

“You don’t just give players like that away,” he said.

Watch all three days of the 2022 NFL Draft unfold on Sky Sports NFL, April 28-30, starting with live build-up to day one from 9pm on Thursday, April 28, with the first picks expected to be made just after 1am.