We interrupt summer break to answer these mailbag questions 49ers fans via my Instagram and Twitter DMs:
How much money for 19? (@niners_united)
Deebo Samuel (No. 19 in your program) has a slew of market comps, so anticipate a payday over $25 million, or higher than what Washington’s Terry McLaurin got on Tuesday (three years, $71 million). Samuel and Seattle’s D.K. Metcalf are the only big-money receivers awaiting … big money. Annual averages aren’t as meaningful as guarantees, but it’s how pros measure their fiscal egos, so leading the way are Tyreek Hill ($30 million per year; Dolphins), Davante Adams ($28M; Raiders), DeAndre Hopkins ($27.3M; Cardinals), Cooper Kupp ($26.7M, Rams), A.J. Brown ($25M, Eagles) and Stefon Diggs ($24M, Bills).
What is Deebo doing? (@briskstreamsty)
On Thursday, he’s hosting his annual youth camp in Spartanburg, S.C., 20 minutes from his native town of (no relation) Inman, S.C. He’ll host another camp July 22 in the Bay Area, at Diablo Valley College in Pleasant Hill. Four days later, the 49ers report to camp, and Samuel figures to show with an extension by then (or soon thereafter). As for an ESPN report that Samuel has not rescinded an April trade request, that will happen once the 49ers give him a deal worth signing.
Has Jimmy G begun to throw a football yet? (@ssevensixtyy)
Jimmy Garoppolo’s March 8 throwing shoulder surgery led to a prescribed 16 weeks of rest and recovery. It’s now been 16 weeks. Hence, he’s expected to start throwing. Unless paparazzi are staked out in SoCal or Los Altos, we likely won’t see those passes until camp. Garoppolo isn’t one to inflate his brand with workouts on social media. Subway commercials aside, he’s the most reclusive superstar I’ve covered in 20-plus years covering this team.
Where will Jimmy G end up? (@Swis049er)
It’s the $24 million question. That’s his salary figure if he’s on the 49ers’ Week 1 roster. The 49ers and Garoppolo have 2 ½ months to see if any jobs open elsewhere via injury or suspension for a long-awaited trade. The Browns could be in urgent need if the NFL indefinitely banishes Deshaun Watson. Wild guess: he’s starting in November, for an AFC North, NFC North or NFC South team.
Any guess when tix to the Mexico game go on sale? (@caballoruiz)
Five years ago, tickets for the Raiders-Patriots game in Mexico City did not go on sale until mid-August. That 33-8 Raiders loss was on Nov. 19, 2017. The Arizona Cardinals host the 49ers on Nov. 21, also at Estadio Azteca. (If you meant the Sept. 27 soccer game between Mexico and Columbia at Levi’s Stadium, those tickets go on sale July 7.)
More overall press coverage from the DBs this season? (@sportsdood27)
There sure could be “more” of that up-on-the-line, hands-on defense. Charvarius Ward did quite well as a press corner for the Chiefs. Ambry Thomas, Emmanuel Moseley and Sam Womack – the Niners’ next-best cornerbacks – all look capable. But it’s unlikely that defensive coordinator DeMeco Ryans would overhaul the scheme and coverages.
Verrett update? (@pixel_me_rollin)
Cornerback Jason Verrett would be great at press coverage and any technique, if his right knee cooperates. Starting the season on the physically-unable-to-perform list would allow him more time (six games) to recover from last season’s Week 1 ACL tear. He didn’t practice in the offseason and came out (with an understandable limp) to watch drills.
How do you think the running back depth chart will play out? (@erictrautman82)
The probable queue: Elijah Mitchell, Jeff Wilson Jr., Trey Sermon, Ty Davis-Price. Undrafted rookie Jordan Mason could suit up (off the practice squad) by season’s end. Not sure JaMycal Hasty sticks.
Do you see any big free agents signed from now until the start of the season? Julio Jones for a veteran minimum (salary)? (@st8_9er)
It’s possible — if salaries are indeed kept at a minimum — because big money must still be slotted for Samuel and Nick Bosa. Their 2023 free agents include Jimmie Ward, Mike McGlinchey, Samson Ebukam, Dre Greenlaw, Azeez Al-Shaair and Daniel Brunskill.
Is it a make-or-break year for Greenlaw? (@anthonyjd11)
Big Play Dre? It may be a contract year but he’s already made his case as a bona fide starter, if healthy. A related question: Is it Greenlaw or Al-Shaair next year?
Thoughts on the O-line? (@bearlychace)
Until their guard and center spots look improved, until right tackle Mike McGlinchey comes back stronger, it could be an Uh-Oh-line.
Do you think Baker (Mayfield) ends up in Seattle? (@pavinberg)
Nick Bosa fantasizes about that. So do the Browns.