49ers' Lynch: Issues with Samuel aren't 'insurmountable'
The San Francisco 49ers resisted trading Deebo Samuel during the draft, and general manager John Lynch believes the club can fix its relationship with the star wide receiver.
"We're trying really hard with Deebo to work through whatever the issues might be," Lynch said Monday on KNBR's "Tolbert & Copes" podcast. "I always have really believed that there is a sacredness to those conversations remaining private, especially with things like this. ... I don't think (the obstacles) are insurmountable.
"I think we can find a way to resolution, and we're hopeful for that because we know what he's been to this organization. Thirty-sixth pick in 2019, and he's been so good on and off the field. Obviously, a tremendous player. ... He makes us better. I think we make him better. And we're hopeful that we get everything right and that we're rolling forward."
San Francisco reportedly turned down draft-day offers from the New York Jets and Detroit Lions for Samuel. The Jets apparently offered a package including the No. 10 pick, which they ultimately used on receiver Garrett Wilson after being rebuffed by the 49ers.
Head coach Kyle Shanahan said the offers weren't "remotely close" to what they thought was fair. He added the team was surprised by Samuel's desire to leave following a breakout season.
The 26-year-old showcased his dual-threat skills by producing 1,405 receiving yards (fifth-most in the league) and six touchdowns while adding 365 yards with eight scores on the ground.
However, Samuel - who's entering a contract year - reportedly isn't happy with his usage.
The wide receiver market has dominated the year's offseason. Tyreek Hill, Davante Adams, and Amari Cooper were traded in March. A.J. Brown and Marquise Brown were then sent to the Philadelphia Eagles and Arizona Cardinals, respectively, in blockbuster moves during the first round of the draft Thursday.
Copyright (C) 2022 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.