While Deebo Samuel is listed as a wide receiver, San Francisco 49ers fans know from his first tenure with the team that his job description can encompass much more than that.
The 30-year-old (who spent the first six seasons of his NFL career in San Francisco) reunited with the 49ers in free agency in a one-year deal last week. And some incentives in Samuel’s contract show that San Francisco plans to reprise his jack-of-all-trades role.
NBC Sports’ Matt Maiocco reported on Tuesday Samuel’s base salary is $3.27 million and has a signing bonus of $490,000. His contract can reach $7 million if he reaches several bonuses and incentives, many of which highlight San Francisco’s plans to make Deebo a versatile threat.
Samuel will receive a $200,000 bonus if his total scrimmage yards (receiving and rushing combined) amount to between 600 to 802 during the season. He’ll receive $450,000 if he achieves 803 scrimmage yards or more. Those bonuses will double if the 49ers make the postseason.
Samuel will also earn $200,000 if he scores five or six touchdowns during the regular season. If he finds the end zone seven times or more, he’ll receive a $450,000 bonus. Those bonuses will also be doubled if San Francisco make the playoffs.
It also seems that Samuel will feature heavily in special teams, as he’ll receive a $250,000 bonus for the season if he ranks 10th or higher in average yards per kick return (minimum 20 returns), which will double if 49ers make the postseason.
He’ll also make $250,000 if he plays 68% or more of the 49ers’ offensive snaps, which will double upon postseason berth.
It’s clear that Samuel’s earnings for this upcoming season depend heavily on performance and versatility. Plus, the postseason bonuses incentivize his success, both individually and with San Francisco as a team.
Samuel will be all over the field this season. And 49ers fans understand how excited they should be about this.
