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.

The San Francisco 49ers plan to run it back next season—at least with star receiver Deebo Samuel. Samuel, who will enter the 2025 NFL campaign on the final season of his three-year contract extension he signed in 2022,

Lynch was asked about Samuel's future with the team during his Jan. 8 media presser and immediately shut down any trade or release rumors. “Deebo is under contract,” Lynch told reporters on Wednesday.

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.