John Lynch Confirms 49ers in Talks with Brock Purdy and Acknowledges Deebo Samuel's Trade Wish

During the NFL Combine, which primarily focuses on evaluating future talent, John Lynch, the general manager of the San Francisco 49ers, dedicated considerable time to addressing some prominent players currently on his team. After experiencing a challenging 6-11 season marred by injuries, which resulted in the 49ers missing the playoffs for the first time since 2020, the team finds itself at a crucial juncture regarding its top offensive stars.

Lynch commenced the press conference by delving into the ongoing contract discussions with Brock Purdy. The quarterback, who was the last pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, is now in the final year of his contract with San Francisco. Since taking on the starting role in 2022, Purdy has demonstrated exceptional performance, boasting the highest EPA per play in the league at 0.267, as reported by RBSDM. Despite a rough 2024 season with a 6-9 record in his starts, the 49ers maintain a 23-13 overall record with him as their leader. Nonetheless, Purdy faced challenges this past season, achieving career lows with a 65.9 completion percentage and a 96.1 passer rating, along with a career-high 12 interceptions.

“We have initiated negotiations and are in talks,” Lynch stated. “Our goal is to have Brock as our quarterback for as long as we are here.”

“While there are no guarantees for a successful agreement, my experience suggests that when both parties are motivated, there is a significant opportunity to reach a deal, and we hope to accomplish that.”

Meanwhile, wide receiver Deebo Samuel might soon be departing the team. As of early February, he received permission to explore trade options after expressing dissatisfaction with his role in the 49ers’ offensive strategy throughout the 2024 season. Despite facing injury challenges alongside several teammates, Samuel still ranked third on the team in target counts, behind Jauan Jennings and George Kittle.

“We maintain a good relationship with Deebo,” Lynch remarked regarding Samuel’s request for a trade. “He has expressed a desire for a fresh start, and we intend to honor that.”

Samuel has been a dynamic component of the 49ers offense, earning first-team All-Pro accolades in 2021 for his impressive performance with 1,405 receiving yards, complemented by 365 rushing yards and eight touchdowns. Known as the “wide back,” Samuel’s speed and versatility have revolutionized Kyle Shanahan’s offensive schemes. However, at 28 years old, his dual-threat capabilities have seen some decline, evidenced by a career-low 3.2 yards per carry and reduced efficiency in receiving.

“He’s one of my favorite draft selections during my tenure,” Lynch noted, who has been with the 49ers as their general manager since 2017. “He consistently makes impactful plays. While everything is positive, time inevitably moves on.”

Although Samuel’s future with the 49ers remains uncertain, the team anticipates the return of another offensive powerhouse, running back Christian McCaffrey. Last season marked McCaffrey’s first full year with the 49ers, where he accumulated over 2,000 scrimmage yards, earning the Offensive Player of the Year award and finishing third in MVP voting. Unfortunately, he managed to play only four games in 2024 due to injuries.

“I believe McCaffrey was understandably frustrated with how last season unfolded and is determined to be fully prepared—just as he was last year,” Lynch stated. “We anticipate a remarkable season from CMC, should he remain healthy, as that’s simply what he does.”

Lynch confirmed that McCaffrey would participate in parts of the offseason program while they remain “careful” regarding his rehabilitation from a PCL injury.

Also returning to the lineup is three-time All-Pro tackle Trent Williams. Set to turn 37 at the start of the new season, Williams faced the fewest games played in a season since joining the 49ers due to an ankle injury that sidelined him for the last seven games. Despite allowing his highest sack rate since 2020, Williams’ performance remains elite, evidenced by his lowest blown block rate since 2021, according to Sports Info Solutions.

“I think he’s incredibly eager to return,” Lynch said, highlighting Williams’ motivation for the upcoming season. “He operates on an extraordinary level. When you possess such high-level experience, you strive to compete at peak performance. That’s where Trent is currently, and I anticipate seeing a highly motivated Trent Williams eager to excel next year. That’s advantageous for us.”