49ers' Lynch: Purdy contract talks underway, Samuel's trade request 'makes sense'

Brock Purdy’s contract negotiations are underway, as are the San Francisco 49ers’ plans to try to fulfill Deebo Samuel’s trade request. General manager John Lynch addressed those and other pressing topics Wednesday at the NFL scouting combine.

Here are the key takeaways from Lynch’s media session in Indianapolis — his first since a Jan. 8 end-of-season press conference with coach Kyle Shanahan, who is bypassing the combine for a fifth straight year and staying back with his reassembled coaching staff:

Brock Purdy contract

Lynch revealed that the 49ers have begun negotiations with Purdy’s agent, Kyle Strongin, on an extension, which Purdy became eligible for once last season ended 51 days ago. Purdy has one year remaining on the deal he signed as the final pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, although his 2025 salary bumped up to $5.3 million.

“We want Brock to be our quarterback as long as we’re here and beyond,” Lynch said, echoing Shanahan’s stance at the early January press conference. “There’s no guarantees we get something done but my experience has been when both sides are motivated, there’s ample opportunity to do so.”

Purdy, just after the season, stressed a desire to get a deal done with urgency and without drama, unlike the 49ers’ contract impasses in recent years with Brandon Aiyuk, Trent Williams, Nick Bosa and Deebo Samuel.

Other quarterbacks expected to impact Purdy’s pay grade are pending free agents Sam Darnold and Aaron Rodgers, along with Matthew Stafford, whose tenure with the Los Angeles Rams could be short-lived if a trade is executed.

Purdy’s deal is a greater priority over another expected extension: According to ESPN’s Nick Wagoner, Lynch said the 49ers are working on a deal for tight end George Kittle, who has one year remaining on his contract. Both Kittle, an eight-year veteran, and the 49ers have a mutual desire for him to play his entire career with the franchise.

‘Honoring’ Samuel trade

In light of Samuel announcing on Super Bowl Sunday that he wants a trade, the 49ers will “honor” that request and “it probably makes sense so we’re at least allowing him to look,” said Lynch.

Samuel, the franchise’s 11th all-time leader in receiving yards through six seasons, is drawing “a lot of interest” around the NFL, Lynch added. Samuel is entering the final year of a three-year extension.

“We’re on good terms with Deebo. He’s asked for a fresh start and I think we’re going to honor that,” Lynch said. “I don’t like seeing great players (leave) and he is a great player. He’s one of my favorite draft picks of my time (second round, 2019). He makes plays and he makes game-changing plays. Everything is good, but at some point, time happens. He asked for that (trade). There’s the contract and things. But it probably makes sense so we’re at least allowing him to look. We’re having conversations and we’ll see what happens.”

McCaffrey update

Christian McCaffrey, limited to four games last season because of Achilles and knee injuries, is doing a “great” job in rehabilitation and could be cleared for “parts” of the 49ers’ offseason program that runs from mid-April through early June.

“He’s frustrated with the way last season went and he’s doing everything that is possible, as he did in preparation for last year,” Lynch said. “We’re hoping CMC is out there and having a tremendous year. If he’s healthy, he will have a tremendous year.”

Achilles tendinitis kept McCaffrey out the first two months of last season, then the 2023 NFL Offensive Player of the Year injured his posterior cruciate ligament four games into his comeback.

Trent Williams' status

Left Tackle Trent Williams is “playing and he’s ready” after missing the final seven games with an ankle injury, Lynch said. Williams, 36, did not report to the 49ers until Week 1 last season, after agreeing to a three-year, $82.7 million contract.

Said Lynch: “He’s really motivated to come back. That’s rarified air that Trent lives in, and when you’re a player that has experience playing at those heights, you don’t want to play unless you’re at that level.”

Money response on Aiyuk

Lynch cited the 49ers’ spending habits while not disputing a report by The Athletic that teams have inquired about trading for wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk, who is recovering from knee reconstruction.

“That typically happens with really good players. I remember two years ago having similar conversations. You get calls and always listen to calls,” Lynch said.

Aiyuk signed a four-year, $120 million with a $23 million signing bonus after a lengthy holdout through last preseason. Lynch continued his response by alluding to the 49ers’ cash-spending habits that are among the NFL’s highest, adding: “We need to get younger. We were the oldest team in football trying to make a run at the thing last year. It’s good to constantly get younger.”

Belief in Moody

Kicker Jake Moody still has a staunch advocate in Lynch despite second-half struggles last season that Lynch attributed “a lot” to a high-ankle sprain. If the 49ers bring in competition for Moody — unlike last summer — Lynch expects Moody to beat out that potential veteran.

Free agent outlook

The 49ers have been in touch with linebacker Dre Greenlaw and safety Talanoa Hufanga, as well as their respective agents, in hopes of preventing them from leaving as free agents.

As for defensive tackle Javon Hargrave’s potential return, Lynch noted that position is coveted in free agency and will command a high price, which is what the 49ers paid two years ago to sign him.

Griese's career move

Brian Griese stepped away after three seasons as quarterbacks coach to spend more time with his family, but he is not officially retiring from coaching, Lynch said.

“(Griese) gave us a three-year commitment. He’s a very principled guy,” Lynch said. “As often does, family and other things – I don’t want to speak for Brian – but other things were pulling at him, but respect he made a tough decision but one he felt was best for him and his family.”

The 49ers revealed Shanahan’s new coaching staff Tuesday with Mick Lombardi succeeding Griese, and Klay Kubiak elevated to offensive coordinator. Both figure to work closely with Shanahan in guiding Purdy into his fourth NFL season.

Saleh's energetic encore

Robert Saleh’s return as defensive coordinator, after three others held that role the past four seasons, is a “welcome sight,” said Lynch, noting: “Saleh brought a great deal when he was last year. He’s even better now with the experiences he’s had. It’s a welcome sight to have him back – the energy, the expertise, the leadership he brings.”

Lynch added that Saleh was a “great reference” in the 49ers hiring special teams coordinator Brant Boyer, who previously held that role with the New York Jets, where Saleh served as coach from 2021 through four games into 2024. Lynch noted that he sat in on the interviews with Boyer and other candidates.

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