There does not seem to be a conclusion in sight to the ongoing drama involving the San Francisco 49ers and star wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk over a new deal. The bad news for the team’s other outstanding pass-catcher, Deebo Samuel, was disclosed by former general manager and NFL insider Michael Lombardi, assuming the two sides reach an agreement.
Lombardi stated on the podcast “The GM Shuffle” that “Deebo’s gone next year once they do this deal with him.” “They are not carrying two receivers making in the $20 million’s with Brock Purdy’s extension going to be $60 million a year coming due.
For the 49ers, it is a two-edged sword since, similar to Aiyuk, 2024 might be Samuel’s last season in San Francisco due to a potential out clause in his contract that might be activated after the season.
However, Lombardi thinks they will make use of the available leverage. They can give Aiyuk a choice: take the proposed deal or they will stick with Samuel in the long run. They are unlikely to sign both to lucrative deals, but they can give him that option.
That approach might result in a split, but it also gives the 49ers the best opportunity to save money for Purdy, whose value Lombardi might have underestimated. In a recent piece, ESPN’s Bill Barnwell stated that the 49ers signal-caller might get up to $65 million a season.
Lombardi expressed his opinions about the Aiyuk problem without holding back, stating he was “so tired of talking about” the 49ers receiver.
Lombardi remarked, “We treat this guy like he is f—— Randy Moss.” “I mean, he had a good year, he is a good player.”
Similarly, Lombardi thinks the 49ers are suffering because of Aiyuk’s holdout. While he refrained from expressing an opinion on the matter, he did recommend that the team focus their efforts on being ready for the 2024 season.
“More than anything, you have got to get everybody’s focus back on football,” Lombardi stated. “Like, I am sure Kyle Shanahan has had it up to his head in getting asked what is the progress on Brandon Aiyuk.”