49ers GM John Lynch addresses Deebo Samuel’s trade request before NFL Draft

In predictably affirming how the 49ers have no intention of trading All-Pro receiver Deebo Samuel, general manager John Lynch avoided getting into specifics in Monday’s press conference.

“I can’t ever imagine wanting to move on from Deebo,” Lynch said. “Even though we don’t have a first-round pick, you have to be thorough in this process and go through everything. He’s just too good of a player.”

Samuel’s saga dominated the discussion of Lynch’s NFL-mandated pre-draft press conference inside Levi’s Stadium’s auditorium, and Lynch expressed confidence a solution is forthcoming.

“We’ve got nothing but love for him and nothing but appreciation for what he’s brought. You just don’t let guys like that walk,” Lynch added.

Lynch wouldn’t reveal Samuel’s discontent but did confirm he’s had discussions with the three-year veteran and was surprised how things have turned.

If Samuel wants the 49ers to rush payment on an extension, this week’s draft offers a sweet spot to gauge his value in a potential trade.

While Samuel is entering the final year of his rookie contract ($4 million salary), the 49ers made sure Monday that defensive end Nick Bosa will not be. They exercised Bosa’s fifth-year option for 2023 ($17.9 million), with designs on extending him to a long-term deal.

For those wondering why the 49ers’ do not extend homegrown stars until later in the summer, that’s their business model, excluding veterans they re-sign around March’s free agency period. For example:

Guard Laken Tomlinson got an extension June 22, 2018.

Tight end George Kittle’s came on Aug. 14, 2020.

Linebacker Fred Warner cashed in July 22, 2021.

“It takes time. There is some patience involved in it,” Warner said Monday. “That’s the side a lot of people don’t get to see, business side of it. Sometimes guys take longer than others. Speaking of my process, I thought it was great and both sides were professional.”

Why not rush payment?

“I’m not going there,” said Lynch, who was tenser, more defensive and not as jocular as past media sessions. “I don’t think it’s in anyone’s best interest to get into particulars.”

Second contracts were doled out last month by the Carolina Panthers (to fifth-year wide receiver D.J. Moore; three years, $62 million), and the Las Vegas Raiders Raiders (fourth-year defensive end Maxx Crosby; four years, $99 million).

The same day the Buffalo Bills extended eighth-year receiver Stefon Diggs (four years, $96 million, Samuel tweeted: “OHHH OKAYY THEN”

OHHH OKAYYY THEN

— Deebo (@19problemz) April 6, 2022

That’s about when Samuel initially requested a trade, the NFL Network reported last week.

“This is normal,” Lynch said of contract negotiations. “I don’t think there’s trouble getting an extension. I wouldn’t read into that. Our track record is pretty good. We’ve never had a significant holdout and our record speaks to that and we don’t plan on one moving…