49ers' Deebo Samuel reportedly wants 'about $25 million per year'

San Francisco 49ers versatile offensive weapon Deebo Samuel has spent a portion of the offseason watching wide receivers such as Davante Adams, Tyreek Hill and Stefon Diggs earn massive pay increases as the 26-year-old who served as a pass-catcher and ball-carrier throughout the 2021 season is set to earn slightly under $4 million for the last campaign of his rookie contract, per Spotrac. 

Samuel seemingly reacted to his situation by recently scrubbing links to the 49ers from his Instagram profile, and NFL insider Peter King reported earlier this week that San Francisco is "going to be in a quandary if Deebo Samuel insists on getting paid top of market, and getting paid now." 

Tony Pauline of Pro Football Network offered an update on the situation on Wednesday. 

"We’re told that Samuel, who is slated to make just under $4 million this season, will be looking for a contract in the range of about $25 million per year," Pauline wrote. 

Pauline continued: "The belief in league circles as of April 12 is the Niners will likely extend Deebo’s contract rather than trade him. If Jimmy Garoppolo is traded from the team as expected, San Francisco would save about $25.5 million in salary and won’t have a high-priced quarterback on the payroll." 

The 49ers may or may not be waiting for a "desperate" team to trade for Garoppolo this spring or summer, but the problem is the veteran signal-caller is still recovering from surgery to repair a torn capsule in his throwing shoulder he underwent in March and may not be able to complete throwing exercises before July. 

Samuel accumulated 1,405 receiving yards, 365 rushing yards and 14 total touchdowns with the 49ers last season. Those stats show he's earned a pay raise, but the financial math indicates he may have to wait until some time this summer to put pen to paper on an extension.