49ers' Samuel: Trade talk is water under the bridge
San Francisco 49ers receiver Deebo Samuel doesn't hold any animosity toward the team despite being the subject of trade speculation earlier this offseason.
"Yeah, I heard it. Had a conversation with my agent about it," Samuel told reporters Tuesday. "They were going back and forth with whoever it was. It was a thing at first, but we moved past it, so we're here and here to get better."
Both Samuel and fellow 49ers wideout Brandon Aiyuk were named in trade rumors leading up to the 2024 NFL Draft. Aiyuk is set to enter the final year of his rookie deal and isn't in attendance at the Niners' mandatory minicamp as he seeks a new contract.
Samuel expressed support for Aiyuk during the "stressful process" after seeking his own extension entering the last year of his deal in 2022.
General manager John Lynch and head coach Kyle Shanahan admitted that they entertained calls from teams interested in the receiving duo, but the franchise ultimately held on to both players.
"At the end of the day, you want to get what you deserve and you hope it happens, but it's not going to happen in the timely manner that you want it to happen," Samuel said.
Samuel signed a three-year, $71.55-million contract extension with the Niners in 2022. He's set to account for a $28.6-million cap hit in 2024, per Over the Cap. The former South Carolina standout is well aware that the team can part with him after the 2024 season based on the structure of his deal.
"The contract was signed. I know what I signed up for and we're just focused on this year," said Samuel.
The former All-Pro wideout racked up 1,117 scrimmage yards and 12 touchdowns last season with the 49ers.