Deebo Samuel is one of three receivers holding out for a new deal this offseason who will not participate in voluntary team workouts according to Adam Schefter of ESPN.
A.J. Brown of Tennessee and Terry McLaurin of Washington are also declining to participate in on-field work. Because the offseason program is considered voluntary, none of the players will be subject to fines. However, Samuel would forego a $50,000 workout bonus if he does not participate.
The news is just the latest in a saga that began with Samuel removing all connections to the 49ers from his social media as he negotiates a long term deal. Last week, Samuel said he’s received death threats and racial slurs from fans who are angry with his behavior.
Samuel, 26, is in the final year of his rookie deal after being named a first-team All-Pro in 2021. Samuel is rumored to be seeking a deal at the top of the wide receiver market, now reset after Tyreek Hill signed a deal with Miami that will pay him around $30 million annually (four-year, $120 million). Samuel’s market value is considered to be around $22-$23 million per year, however, and the difference between those two numbers is likely causing the tension between Samuel and the 49ers.
Samuel finished fifth in the league with 1,405 receiving yards, caught six touchdown passes and rushed for eight touchdowns — an NFL single-season record for a receiver.
