In recent days, there have been repeated rumours about a trade demand for Deebo Samuel from the San Francisco 49ers. Now, general manager John Lynch spoke out about his all-purpose weapon – and plans to fight to keep him.

Munich/San Francisco – Although the San Francisco 49ers will not intervene on the first day of the NFL Draft , the Californians also held their obligatory media round before the talent draft.

However, general manager John Lynch didn’t so much have to face questions about the upcoming draft as he did about Deebo Samuel, who has reportedly requested a trade.

Lynch won’t let Samuel go

Talking about the 49ers’ all-purpose weapon, Lynch said, “I just can’t see myself parting with Deebo. […] He’s too good a player for that,” Lynch said Monday.

The reasons why the number 19 of the “Niners” wants to leave in the first place have only been the subject of speculation lately. Lynch, however, did not want to clear up those speculations: “You have a job to do,” said the former NFL safety, who had to block enquiries several times.

“Of course everyone is curious about what exactly the status is. But I ask for your understanding that I can’t and won’t speak for Deebo and his agent,” Lynch continued.

However, the 50-year-old has not yet given up on his playmaker: “We maintain open communication with our players. This case is no different. I’m confident we’ll find a solution.”

Whether the 49ers will part ways with Samuel before Thursday’s draft is still completely up in the air. It would be a chance to make a move on day one after all.