After a long offseason featuring a holdout, social media rumors, a trade request, and mystery throughout, Deebo Samuel has signed an extension with the San Francisco 49ers, per Ian Rapoport. 

Deebo is coming off of a jaw-dropping breakout season: 77 catches, 1,405 receiving yards, and six receiving touchdowns, plus 365 rushing yards and eight rushing touchdowns. He was a first-team All-Pro and Pro Bowler for the first time in his career. He was undoubtedly the MVP of the 49ers last season. His explosiveness and absolutely electrifying style with the ball in his hands was must-see TV. He even threw a touchdown in Week 18 to clinch a playoff spot. Deebo can do it all, so why did this take so long?

The answer is that it’s anybody’s guess why Deebo didn’t sign until now. His agent, Tory Dandy, had a very busy offseason, securing major extensions for his other clients: receivers AJ Brown and DK Metcalf. Deebo’s contract looks similar to his peers’ deals: shorter than five years with lots of guaranteed money. This allows the players one more chance at the open market, hopefully cashing in again while in their primes. 

This 49ers regime has a history of late-summer deals like this one. Last year, San Francisco signed Fred Warner to an extension on July 21, per Mike Garafolo. The year before that, George Kittle signed an extension on August 13, per Ian Rapoport. There is precedent for the 49ers paying star players during training camp, and it was reasonable to expect Deebo’s deal to come now, the day before padded practices begin in Santa Clara. 

Samuel shook up the NFL world when he requested a trade, but it never truly made sense for him to leave. He is more valuable to the 49ers than to any other team: they know him extremely well and they have the creativity to utilize him properly. On the flip side, the 49ers are the ideal landing spot for him, because no other team can unlock his potential like the 49ers have. It’s truly a perfect match. 

Looking forward, all eyes are on Jimmy Garoppolo, and where he ends up. It seems clear that it won’t be with San Francisco. The next big question would be extending Nick Bosa, but I would be shocked if the 49ers didn’t bring him back on board. In the meantime, 49ers fans, enjoy plays like these for the next four years.