2022 NFL Training Camp: Players holding out/in for new contracts

NFL players holding out at camp: Deebo Samuel, WR, 49ers

This is by far the most popular contract drama we’ve covered this offseason.

49ers wide receiver/running back hybrid player Deebo Samuel has been extremely vocal that he is interested in a big-time contract extension, consistent with the current wide receiver market.

Deebo may not be considered a true holdout as he did appear for training camp today (Wednesday) but he is not practicing with the team.

Deebo is on the field but opting to work on his conditioning on the sideline away from the team. Head coach Kyle Shanahan expressed to the media that the lines of communication are open at least;

"“We all know there’s a lot going on with Deebo right now,” Shanahan said. “We’ll see what happens. I just had a great conversation with Deebo, so regardless of what happens, he’s going to go out there and condition on the side, we’ll see where he’s at. Hopefully we can figure something out soon. But we’re in a good place for today.”"

Deebo is slated to earn $4,890,519 this year, of which only $904,519 comes as a signing bonus.

Deebo is probably having issues stomaching a payday of this caliber when he reads about other dynamic receivers such as Tyreek Hill and Davante Adams raking in an average salary of $30 and $28 million respectively.

While Deebo is not quite in that tier of receivers even Jaguars receiver Christian Kirk is infamously collecting an average salary of $18 million…Let’s see if Deebo gets the payday he requires and walks closer to his teammates on the field.