After the saga of the summer, Deebo Samuel will rejoin the San Francisco 49ers on Tuesday, according to multiple reports.
The team’s mandatory minicamp kicks off and continues through Thursday, and there was some debate as to whether Samuel, who requested a trade in the offseason and remains on his rookie contract, would show up.
If Samuel had declined to participate in mandatory minicamp, he could have been fined up to $95,877 for missing all three days.
The 2021 All-Pro’s situation has confused many, given his excellent relationship with Kyle Shanahan and what seemed like a desire by the 49ers to pay him. Neither side has clarified the core issues, but it’s reached a point, with the draft in the rearview, where Samuel’s leverage is minimal.
If he were to try and hold out in training camp, he’d potentially lose an “accrued year” and only become a restricted free agent. He’d also be subject to a $40,000 a day fine. At this point, it seems hard to see how Samuel won’t be around.
