“It’s all about finishing strong for sure…” The 2024 NFL season for the 49ers felt like watching a plot twist in a late-night binge of your favorite crime drama—unexpected, a little messy, and leaving you hungry for a sequel. With a final record of 6‑11 and the locker room buzzing louder than a Friday night at a downtown dive bar, head coach Kyle Shanahan just got a $31M update on Deebo Samuel that’s as jaw‑dropping as any twist in a Tarantino flick.

Deebo Samuel in the shop window?

The talk around town? Trading WR Deebo Samuel might be on the table—at least hypothetically. A potential new team was eyeing a 1‑yr, $17.5M (non‑guaranteed) deal for him, but the looming 49ers dead cap of $31,020,600 makes the math about as appealing as a used car salesman’s promise. In other words, Deebo isn’t going anywhere anytime soon, and the negotiations could get messier than a diner order on a busy Sunday morning.

Under a three‑year, $71.55M contract, Deebo is a walking highlight reel whose guaranteed money and hefty signing bonus of $24.035M are the stuff of NFL legend. In 2025, he’s set to pocket a base salary of $1.17M along with a workout bonus that pushes his cap hit to roughly $15.83M. His dynamic playmaking—both as a receiver and rusher (remember those extra 1,143 yards and 21 rushing TDs?)—has been instrumental in keeping the 49ers in the playoff conversation. Even when the team’s overall offensive output and defensive shortcomings left fans feeling like they were stuck in an episode of The Twilight Zone.

On the field, Deebo’s numbers still pop: in the 2024 regular season he hauled in 51 receptions for 670 yards and 3 TDs. His six‑season career tally stands at 334 catches, 4,792 yards, and 22 receiving TDs—with an extra 1,143 rushing yards and 21 TDs to boot. Meanwhile, QB Brock Purdy is predicted to hit free agency, setting off debates that rival any heated discussion over which “Star Wars” trilogy is the best.

Yet the locker room isn’t just about numbers and contracts—it’s a place where camaraderie and genuine respect shine through. Brock Purdy once said, “Deebo and I talk all the time and he’s one of my best friends on the team. I absolutely love Deebo and what he’s done for me and helping me out. I think he’s right. He’s doing great right now with what we ask of him in the offense; he’s not struggling or anything.” On to QB HQ.

Cha-Ching or bust: Purdy’s $61M power play

Welcome to HQ Purdy, the final draft pick of 2022 turned unlikely hero. He threw for 3,864 yards, connected on 20 TDs against 12 picks, and sported a QBR of 67.9 alongside a passer rating of 96.1. Meanwhile, his contract drama is turning into a full‑on NFL soap opera. Currently on the final year of his rookie deal, with a 2025 base salary of just $1.1M, Purdy probably thinks he’s worth at least $61M per season. Why? Consider his playoff exploits that, as some argue, outshine even $60M Dak Prescott’s average. Spotrac analyst Michael Ginnitti sums it up perfectly:

“Prediction: The 49ers offer Brock Purdy a well-below-market 3-year, $105M extension, including $50M guaranteed,” writes Spotrac analyst Michael Ginnitti. It’s a scenario that’s as wild as any Inception twist—layered, unpredictable, and sure to leave fans debating long into the offseason. “Purdy declines the offer, holds out most of the summer, then returns to play on his $5M salary for 2025, setting up free agency or a potential franchise tag in 2026.”

In true underdog fashion, Purdy’s situation is like a classic Rocky montage. One part grit, one part heart, and a whole lot of determination. The 49ers might bank on keeping him below his market value, especially coming off a down season. But if Purdy wants the big bucks, he’s more than capable of bouncing back to Pro Bowl form next year. As the stakes rise higher than Tony Stark’s ego, the quarterback’s future becomes a high‑risk, high‑reward wager. It could either catapult him to superstardom or force him to rework his script entirely.

This sentiment echoes the vibe of a buddy movie like Thelma & Louise. If Thelma and Louise spent less time on the run and more time dominating the gridiron. And head coach Kyle Shanahan added his own flavor when asked about Deebo Samuel’s off‑field antics. “Yeah, we always love for things to stay in-house…Deebo and I see each other every day and talk about stuff every day. It’s water under the bridge.” It’s like a real‑life reboot of Friends where loyalty and inside jokes are the currency.

As the 49ers navigate these turbulent offseason waters—with coaching changes like welcoming back Robert Saleh as DC and the ever‑looming free agency debate—one thing is clear: the future is unpredictable. Whether Purdy holds out, signs a franchise tag, or catapults himself into free agency. Whether Deebo remains the team’s trusty playmaker or becomes the subject of blockbuster trade talks. The drama is far from over.

In the wild, unpredictable world of the NFL, you either roll with the punches or get knocked out—just like in Back to the Future, where every second counts on the road to greatness. “…We get these next couple of dubs and it ain’t nothing but motivation for us. Getting back to work whenever we gotta report back.”