2 min read • April 20, 2022
Posted in
Deebo Samuel, the 49ers versatile wide receiver/running back, sent shock waves across the league Wednesday when news broke that he had requested a trade from San Francisco.
NFL Insider Ian Rapoport gave more insight into Samuel's gripe. Money is not at the root of the issues, there are also issues with how he's used, according to Rapoport.
It's possible Samuel has an issue with his increased usage out of the backfield and the increased injury risk associated with that.
During his first 33 games with the 49ers, he lined up in the backfield 2.1% of the time, lined up out wide 72.4% of the time and lined up in the slot on 20.5% of snaps.
In his last 11 games, including the playoffs, he was used in the backfield on 21.1% of snaps and went from averaging 6.1 catches in the first 8 games to 3.5 catches in the last 11 games.
That shift made him highly effective for San Francisco down the stretch and increased his value in all fantasy formats. It was also out of necessity because of the 49ers lack of running back depth.
Elijah Mitchell, who was filling in for the oft-injured Raheem Mostert, missed 4 of the last 11 games in the 49ers season.
Kyle Shanahan was widely praised for his unique usage of Samuel in the offense, but it may be costing the team at the negotiating table.
Among the Top 5 active running backs in league, the average salary per year is $14.22 million.
Among the Top 5 active wide receivers in the league, the average salary per year is just under $26 million. Granted, Tyreek Hill and Devante Adams' recent mega deals have skewed that number slightly, but it's no secret that wide receivers get more money fully guaranteed.
The average total guaranteed amount for the Top 5 wide receivers is $59.8 million, compared to $34.9 million for the Top 5 running backs.
At 26 years old, Samuel has a checkered injury history including a foot fracture in 2020 and numerous soft tissue injuries. Longevity is likely on Samuel's mind when negotiating his next contract.
Samuel and his agent are also in a unique negotiating position. There's not exactly a defined market for such a young, versatile player.
He's also coming off his first All-Pro selection and his first Pro Bowl.
Cordarrelle Patterson, a notable wide receiver/running back hybrid, recently signed a two-year, $10.5 million contract to stay with the Falcons. He will enter this season at 31 years old and just $5 million of that contract is guaranteed.
It remains to be seen if there's a number that Samuel and the 49ers front office can both agree to. If not, he will likely be in new threads this upcoming season.
Written by
