The deal has a maximum value of $73.5 million over three years and includes $58.1 million in guarantees, sources told ESPN’s Adam Schefter. Samuel is the seventh to sign a deal worth at least $24 million annually. Prior to this season, only DeAndre Hopkins of the Arizona Cardinals had reached that mark. By reaching the deal, the Niners and Samuel put an amicable end to a tumultuous negotiation that saw Samuel request a trade from the Niners in April. Despite this request, San Francisco remained steadfast in their desire to resolve whatever issues were plaguing Samuel and reward him with a significant contract that would keep him with the team well into the future. Mission accomplished. During the NFL draft in April, the Niners received some offers for Samuel but never got anything close to what they would need to move on from him. In the weeks that followed, Samuel slowly worked his way back into the fold, attending the team’s mandatory minicamp with the full team in June. Samuel then reported on time for the start of this year’s training camp. He and coach Kyle Shanahan talked about the plan for him as camp opened Tuesday, agreeing that Samuel would do prep work on the sideline as the Niners and his representatives continued to hammer out a deal. At the time, Niners general manager John Lynch was more optimistic than ever that the sides would come to an agreement. “We had really productive and meaningful conversations,” Lynch said at the time. “I don’t want to get everyone excited that something is imminent because we’re not there yet, but I really hope that in the near future we’ll be able to announce something that’s exciting for everyone involved. Deebo is here today and we’re excited to move forward together of as part of this group.” By signing Samuel, the 49ers kept their most productive offensive lineman. In 2021, Samuel, 26, coined the term “wide back” because of his ability to play receiver and running back. In his dual role, Samuel emerged as a unique offensive threat, becoming the first player since 1999 and the third in NFL history to have at least 1,000 receiving yards, five receiving touchdowns and five rushing scores in the same season. Along the way, Samuel averaged 18.2 yards per catch and 6.2 yards per carry while scoring 14 total touchdowns. His 1,770 yards from scrimmage ranked third in the NFL and his eight rushing touchdowns were the most by a receiver in league history as he earned All-Pro honors. In three NFL seasons, Samuel has 167 receptions for 2,598 yards and 10 receiving touchdowns with 550 rushing yards and 11 scores on the ground. Played in 38 games, missing one in 2019 and 2021 and nine in 2020.
