On Tuesday night, Bleacher Report unveiled its latest podcast, Crampons and Convos with Deebo SamuelOn the inaugural episode, Samuel was joined by fellow San Francisco 49ers player Brandon Aiyuk.
The star receivers detailed what goes on behind the scenes in the contract negotiations, referencing Aiyuk’s eventful offseason. But it’s Samuel who dropped the glove on the future of the team.
“It’s now or never,” Samuel said of his Super Bowl victory. “I’ve been on the best team in the NFL for almost six years. We’ve got to get it done.”
San Francisco has come painfully close to the top since Samuel was selected 36th overall in the 2019 NFL Draft. They’ve lost twice to the Kansas City Chiefs on the world’s biggest stage. They’ve also lost twice in the NFC Championship during his tenure in San Francisco.
Chances are his feelings about closing the window are accurate.
49ers are estimated to be $30 million over the salary cap after Aiyuk’s contract extended for four years and $120 millionThey already have massive contracts with Christian McCaffrey, Nick Bosa, Fred Warner, Aiyuk and Samuel.
Next season, safety Talanoa Hufanga, cornerback Charvarius Ward, linebacker Dre Greenlaw, guard Aaron Banks and nickelback Deommodore Lenoir will all be free agents.
Let’s not forget that 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy is still on a rookie contract. That contract will also need to be renegotiated next season. San Francisco will undoubtedly have to make some very difficult decisions, and the time is now.
The 49ers are coming off a disappointing 23-17 loss to the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday. To top it off, they suffered another serious injury Samuel suffers from a sprained calf during the game.
Samuel is expected to miss a few weeks of action. They are already without McCaffrey who is on IR with a calf injury.
They’ll look to climb back to the right side of the .500 mark this weekend against the Los Angeles Rams, who are also dealing with crucial injuries.
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