The San Francisco 49ers and general manager John Lynch appear to be at a crossroads with star wide receiver Deebo Samuel.
Samuel reportedly wants out of San Francisco, and has informed the team of his desire to leave. However, Lynch was singing a different tune about the dynamic Deebo at his press conference on Monday.
“You just don’t let guys like that walk. I can’t envision a situation where we would,” Lynch said. “I’m confident we can find the solutions to work through whatever’s going on.”
Lynch’s words have drawn a variety of reactions from NFL fans and analysts. Some think he is making it clear that the team does not plan to budge on Samuel’s request to be moved.
Others are reading into the careful wording he used–“can’t imagine wanting to move on,” “can’t envision a situation”–and thinking that it is the veteran executive’s way of subtly hinting that a divorce is on the horizon.
Lynch is a skillful speaker. Notice he said “I can’t imagine WANTING to move on” not “I can’t imagine moving on”.
Indicates to me that while it’s not ideal, a trade isn’t out of the question. https://t.co/5PkFl9i5AT
— Arrowhead First 🇺🇦 (@ArrowheadFirst) April 25, 2022
Not exactly slamming the door shut https://t.co/P7crtIJIvD
— Rich Cimini (@RichCimini) April 25, 2022
“We’d listen on just about anyone” answering a question about a potential Deebo Samuel trade.
Oh, would you John Lynch?#49ers #Jets #FTTB #TakeFlight https://t.co/eKPaVl8X0q pic.twitter.com/u6SHsVrOW6
— Paul Andrew Esden Jr (@BoyGreen25) April 25, 2022
Aka your offers suck we want more https://t.co/yfxfwD2kZ9
— Derek / QB1 4🔥 (@216Derek) April 25, 2022
WE DON’T TALK ABOUT DEEBO, NO, NO NOOOOOO!
WE DON’T TALK ABOUT DEEEEEEBOOOOOOOOOO! https://t.co/to0m6CSPpi
— Al Smizzle (@AlZeidenfeld) April 25, 2022
— Temporal Pincer Movement Initiator (@LegendDurham) April 25, 2022
Sounds like a no-go on trading Deebo https://t.co/g4Ghdgq816
— Alex Sherman (@sherman4949) April 25, 2022
Still no indication anywhere that the 49ers are even thinking about a Deebo Samuel trade … https://t.co/18xU6qMpau
— Ralph Vacchiano (@RVacchianoSNY) April 25, 2022
I think this is John Lynch’s attempt to try and get the 10th pick from the Jets. But who knows. https://t.co/YrXgZyStfK
— Dylan Burd (@Sports_Burd) April 25, 2022
“Wanting” key choice in words during this entire discussion. He’s gone. https://t.co/9UNN5Ktz3i
— B-Rad ☺️ (@bigmurph68) April 25, 2022
What will the final verdict be on Deebo and the 49ers? Well, the 2022 NFL Draft starts on Thursday, so they are running out of time to trade him for draft assets this year.
If San Francisco has not moved Deebo by Thursday, it doesn’t mean they definitely won’t do it down the line. But doing so by that artificial deadline would enable the team to maximize its return for the upcoming season.
The post John Lynch Can’t Imagine Trading Deebo: NFL World Reacts appeared first on The Spun.