Lynch: 'I can't envision a scenario' where 49ers move on from Samuel
San Francisco 49ers general manager John Lynch appears determined to hold on to Deebo Samuel despite the receiver requesting a trade.
"I can't ever imagine wanting to move on from Deebo," Lynch said during Monday's pre-draft presser, according to ESPN's Nick Wagoner. "You put yourself through the exercises of, even though we don't have a first-round pick, you have to be thorough in this process and prepare for everything. So, you go through it and do that.
"He's just too good of a player ... We've got nothing but love for him and nothing but appreciation for what he's brought, but you just don't let guys like that walk. So, I can't envision a scenario where we would (trade him)."
The 49ers have reportedly tried to discuss a long-term deal with the star receiver, but Samuel has been cold to respond. He's apparently unsatisfied with his versatile role in the 49ers' offense, which had him taking snaps in the backfield as a rusher and playing receiver last season.
However, Lynch added he's "confident" the two sides can find "solutions" to work through the issue, per NFL Network's Mike Garafolo.
San Francisco's general manager opened the presser reluctant to discuss Samuel or specifics about the situation, noting that "there's a sanctity to those conversations remaining private," added Wagoner.
Samuel hasn't shied away from a possible separation from the franchise after previously cleansing his Instagram of all 49ers-related content.
Lynch acknowledged that San Francisco's philosophy is to hear opposing teams out but reiterated his opposition to potentially letting the 26-year-old wideout go.
"We've been consistent since we've been here that we'd listen on just about anyone," Lynch said. "That's something we'll always do. But I can't ever imagine moving on from Deebo. He's been such a great player for us. He means so much to this franchise."
Samuel is entering the final season of his rookie contract and coming off an All-Pro campaign after recording 1,770 yards from scrimmage and 14 total touchdowns in 2021.