Deebo Samuel Speaks on Contract Restructure Future with the 49ers as they prepare for Brock Purdy’s deal to be finalized
Deebo Samuel’s recent contract restructuring has sparked discussions about his future with the San Francisco 49ers. The All-Pro wide receiver downplayed the implications of this move, emphasizing his focus on the present rather than speculating about long-term plans.
“I don’t know what you all think restructuring contracts means but that’s not for y’all to know, it’s for us to know,” Samuel said with a laugh Thursday. “But I’m really going to control the things I can do and that’s to be where my feet are. I’m here right now and we will see what the future holds.”
On Tuesday, the 49ers converted part of Samuel’s salary into a signing bonus, freeing up $16.4 million in cap space. This adjustment allows the team to manage their financial commitments more effectively, especially as they prepare for significant investments in quarterback Brock Purdy in the coming years.
Typically, such contract modifications suggest that a player is likely to remain with the team for the foreseeable future. The 49ers have made similar adjustments with other key players, including George Kittle and Fred Warner, indicating a trend of retaining core talent. Samuel is currently in the second year of a three-year, $71 million extension. Before the restructuring, there were concerns about whether the team could keep both him and fellow receiver Brandon Aiyuk, who recently signed a four-year, $120 million extension.
With both players now secured, the 49ers appear well-positioned to maintain their offensive strength, even as they navigate future salary cap challenges. They are good for this year, but after this season, things could get tricky.
The 49ers’ challenging summer of contract talks wrapped up with San Francisco giving major deals to stars Trent Williams and Brandon Aiyuk, ensuring they were ready for the season opener.
The next player in line for a big contract could be Brock Purdy. He could move from being one of the NFL’s best bargains, playing on a seventh-round draft pick contract, to a deal worth more than $50 million a year once he’s eligible for an extension after this season.
“Brock has clearly exceeded the expectations of a ‘Mr. Irrelevant’ contract. I would be thrilled to see his life change after getting a new deal because he deserves it,” Williams said this week.
“If you’re looking for an inspiring story in the NFL, this is it. No one thought he could achieve what he’s done.
Even though he doesn’t look like the typical first-round quarterback, he’s outperforming all of them. His performance speaks for itself.”
San Francisco has been preparing for Purdy’s future big contract, with owner Jed York noting earlier in the offseason that his quarterback will soon receive a significant payout.
