49ers’ Offseason Moves: Hargrave’s Release and Deebo’s Future
In the world of NFL, the offseason is a time of speculation, strategy, and sometimes, surprising decisions. The San Francisco 49ers have been at the center of such discussions recently, especially after making significant adjustments to the contracts of two of their key players: defensive tackle Javon Hargrave and receiver Deebo Samuel Sr. These moves left fans and analysts alike wondering about the future of these players with the team.
On a chilly Wednesday in Santa Clara, Niners general manager John Lynch stepped up to provide some clarity. He announced that the team plans to release Hargrave with a post-June 1 designation when the new league year kicks off in March. However, for those concerned about Deebo Samuel’s status, Lynch had reassuring news: there are no plans to part ways with the talented receiver.
“Deebo is under contract,” Lynch stated firmly. “[He’s] a good player and has done a ton for this organization and we’re not in the business of letting good players out of here.”
The 49ers had restructured Samuel’s contract back in September, a strategic move that would have resulted in a hefty $31.55 million dead money hit on the cap if they decided to trade or release him before June 1, 2025. However, if they opted for a post-June 1 designation before his March 23 option bonus was due, they could have spread the cap hits to $10,751,753 over the next couple of years.
Despite a challenging, injury-riddled season where Samuel recorded 806 scrimmage yards and four touchdowns—career lows except for the 2020 season when he played just seven games—he showed glimpses of his old self against the Miami Dolphins in Week 16. Samuel expressed confidence about his future in San Francisco, stating he had “no questions at all” about staying with the team.
On the other hand, Hargrave’s situation is more complex. The team plans to release him unless he agrees to a significantly reduced contract. This move can’t be finalized until March 12, when the new league year begins. Hargrave had restructured his contract in early December to make a post-June 1 release more feasible for the Niners.
The post-June 1 designation means Hargrave will count $8.6 million in dead money in 2025 and $17.485 million in 2026, as opposed to a nearly $25 million hit in 2025 without the designation. Hargrave had signed a four-year, $84 million deal with the 49ers in 2023 but played in just three games in 2024 before being sidelined with a partially torn right triceps.
“We do have some challenges and so this doesn’t mean we can’t compete for his services,” Lynch explained. “Rather than waiting until post-June 1 and being [out of luck] because free agency already happened, it gives him an opportunity to go see what his market is. And that may include us. … We know Javon. He’s on a good track coming back from his injury. And would we be interested in having him? Of course. Is that something we can come to an agreement on and is it something that fits in our plans? We will see.”
In addition to these player updates, Lynch also shared some positive news about left tackle Trent Williams. Williams, who missed the final seven games due to a bruise in his left ankle, is expected to return for his 15th season in 2025.
“Trent’s doing well,” Lynch said. “It probably took a little longer than anyone anticipated [for the ankle to heal] but sometimes that happens, and the good news is it’s taken a positive turn. Trent’s mindset is where it always is, and he’s still very interested in being the great player that he is, and I think he’s still got a lot left in the tank. Trent’s as committed as ever and we love having Trent Williams a part of us.”
Williams will return to an offensive meeting room that now officially includes a coordinator for the first time since 2021. Head coach Kyle Shanahan announced that Klay Kubiak will be promoted to offensive coordinator. Kubiak has been with the 49ers since 2021, serving in various roles, including defensive quality control coach, assistant quarterbacks coach, and most recently, offensive passing game specialist.
Shanahan noted that Kubiak has effectively been the offensive coordinator in recent years, even without the title. Shanahan will continue as the primary playcaller, but Kubiak will have a significant role in the game plan and will occasionally call plays, as he did against the Arizona Cardinals in Week 18.
“I think Klay’s done as much as anyone on offense these last two years,” Shanahan said. “This is his second year doing that and he gets better and better each year at it. Just hasn’t had the official title yet and now he’ll get the official title, which he more than deserves. But it’s more about recognizing what he’s already been doing at a high level.”
As for the defensive and special teams coordinator positions, Shanahan mentioned that the search is ongoing. He expressed a desire to keep Nick Sorensen in another role and suggested Sorensen could be a candidate for the special teams job. For the defensive coordinator position, Shanahan plans to interview Brandon Staley, an in-house candidate, along with external candidates.
“I feel there’s some options out there that can end up being a better option in the situation that we’re in for our team,” Shanahan said. “I’m still hoping that we can keep Nick here, but I do feel there’s some other avenues that in the long run will be better for the 49ers.”
- Javon Hargrave’s release with a post-June 1 designation
- Deebo Samuel’s contract situation and future with the 49ers
- Trent Williams’ return for the 2025 season
- Klay Kubiak’s promotion to offensive coordinator
- Ongoing search for defensive and special teams coordinators
Originally Written by: Nick Wagoner
