EXCLUSIVE: Deebo Samuel Inks 4-Year, $130 Million Extension With $90 Million Guaranteed To Stay With 49ers Through 2029

In a massive move that reverberated through the NFL on Friday afternoon, wide receiver Deebo Samuel and the San Francisco 49ers agreed to a four-year, $130 million contract extension, league sources told ESPN. The deal includes $90 million in guaranteed money, securing one of the team’s most dynamic offensive weapons through the 2029 season. The agreement, finalized by CAA agents Jeff Nalley and Graylan Crain along with 49ers executives Nick Sabella and Darren Mougey, marks a pivotal moment for both the franchise and Samuel’s already exceptional career.

Samuel’s extension not only reinforces his value to the 49ers, but also propels him into the top echelon of wide receivers in the NFL based on average annual value. The $32.5 million per year average places him firmly in elite company, surpassing many veterans and long-established stars. For a player who has completed only three seasons, the magnitude of this contract reflects both Samuel’s production on the field and his importance to the team’s long-term aspirations.

The South Carolina alum was selected by the 49ers in the second round of the 2019 NFL Draft and quickly established himself as one of the most versatile offensive weapons in the game. His ability to line up as a traditional wideout, take handoffs out of the backfield, and deliver game-breaking plays has made him a matchup nightmare for opposing defenses and a core component of head coach Kyle Shanahan’s offense. Samuel’s career took off in the 2021 season, when he racked up 1,405 receiving yards and 365 rushing yards, becoming the first player in NFL history to record at least 1,400 receiving yards and 300 rushing yards in a single season.

Since then, Samuel has become synonymous with the “wide back” role—a hybrid position that he essentially invented and perfected. His physical style of play, yards-after-catch ability, and uncanny vision have elevated the 49ers’ offense and allowed Shanahan to design some of the league’s most innovative play-calling. Even as defenses increasingly scheme to contain him, Samuel remains productive and dangerous, both in open space and in traffic. His new deal is a reflection not only of past performance, but of what the 49ers believe he will continue to bring over the next half-decade.

Negotiations were described by sources as thorough but collaborative. CAA Football’s Nalley and Crain remained in constant communication with San Francisco’s front office throughout the offseason. The breakthrough reportedly came earlier this week when the two sides agreed on the framework for guarantees and incentives, which sources say include bonuses tied to playoff performance and All-Pro selections. Once those details were ironed out, the final numbers were confirmed Thursday evening and signatures followed early Friday morning.

The 49ers’ front office viewed this deal as a top priority heading into training camp. General Manager John Lynch, who did not comment publicly on the extension as of Friday evening, had long maintained that Samuel was “a foundational player” for the franchise. While contract talks had been delayed earlier this year due to cap logistics and other offseason planning, the team never wavered in its intention to keep Samuel long-term. According to internal sources, Shanahan personally advocated for Samuel’s retention, frequently reminding team decision-makers of the wide receiver’s leadership, toughness, and game-breaking talent.

Samuel’s extension also speaks volumes about San Francisco’s offensive identity heading into the 2025 season. With quarterback Brock Purdy entering another year of development, tight end George Kittle still playing at an All-Pro level, and Christian McCaffrey anchoring the backfield, Samuel’s renewed commitment completes a formidable offensive core. The trio of Samuel, Kittle, and McCaffrey offers a rare combination of skill sets that can shift games in a single quarter—and one that Shanahan has shown he knows how to maximize.

Perhaps even more critical is the signal this extension sends to the locker room. In an era of player movement and uncertain futures, particularly for wide receivers, the 49ers have made a clear statement: perform, lead, and buy into the team’s vision—and you will be rewarded. Samuel’s new deal is now the richest contract ever given to a receiver in 49ers franchise history and only the second to surpass the $100 million mark in total value, behind Hall of Famer Jerry Rice’s career earnings when adjusted for inflation and modern cap standards.

Reactions poured in from teammates, coaches, and fellow NFL stars following the news. “This is huge,” Kittle posted on social media, “My dawg earned every dollar. Let’s keep building.” McCaffrey echoed those sentiments, writing “Respect. One of the best in the game. Let’s get to work.” Even rival defenders like Seattle Seahawks safety Jamal Adams chimed in, tweeting: “Deebo got PAID. Deserved it. Problem on Sundays.”

This new contract also represents a personal triumph for Samuel, who has faced adversity throughout his journey to stardom. From battling injuries early in his career to overcoming contract rumors and trade speculation in 2022, Samuel has consistently responded with resilience and productivity. Off the field, he’s become a staple in Bay Area community work and a visible supporter of youth football initiatives, particularly in his home state of South Carolina.

When asked at a Friday afternoon press conference about the new deal, Samuel was reflective. “It means everything,” he said. “To be able to do this in the place that believed in me from Day 1, it’s a blessing. I play the game with love and with grit—and I promise the best is still coming.”

Samuel also credited his family and agents for guiding him through what he called “a stressful but rewarding” negotiation process. “There were nights I couldn’t sleep, wondering how it would turn out. But I knew if I kept my faith and stayed focused, it would happen.”

Looking ahead, the 49ers are expected to remain aggressive in keeping their core intact. With Purdy still on his rookie deal, San Francisco has some cap flexibility in the short term. That could open the door for additional extensions, potentially for offensive lineman Aaron Banks or linebacker Dre Greenlaw in the coming months. But the franchise knows it now has a centerpiece in Samuel—one that can help define this next chapter of 49ers football.

As the team prepares to enter training camp, they do so with one major question already answered. Deebo Samuel will be in red and gold for years to come, a force on the field, a leader in the locker room, and now, one of the highest-paid receivers in the league. The message from the 49ers is clear: they’re going all-in—and Deebo Samuel is leading the charge.