General manager John Lynch on Wednesday said the team planned to release veteran defensive tackle Javon Hargrave with that designation. He did not say the same for Samuel, who is a popular trade candidate in pre-offseason speculation.

San Francisco once secured him with a three-year, $71.5 million deal on the eve of July 2022 training camp. The 49ers shut down the trade chatter then by offering Samuel a massive amount of cash. That blockbuster contract additionally came as a reward for Samuel's explosive '21 season.

GM John Lynch told reporters on Wednesday that he expects WR Deebo Samuel to be back with the team in 2025. “Deebo’s under contract… Yep, good player and he’s done a ton for this organization.

While John Lynch confirmed one veteran will be allowed to hit the open market this offseason with Javon Hargrave set to be released, the San Francisco 49ers general manager has no such plans to facilitate an exit for Deebo Samuel.