WATCH: NFL insider gives latest on Deebo Samuel 'drama'

San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Deebo Samuel was the talk of the NFL toward the end of the season and into the playoffs, becoming a do-it-all man for Kyle Shannan. Now, he has become the main point of discussion in the offseason, deleting everything 49ers off his Instagram, sending people into a frenzy over what it means.

NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport gave the latest on Samuel on Friday, talking about how wide receivers asking for new contracts has been the story of the offseason. After listing off a few other names who got their desired moves, Rapoport says San Francisco is wanting to sign their utility player to an extension. However, nothing has come out from Samuel or his side.

“This seems to be one of the trends of the offseason,” Rapoport said. “Players are either unhappy with their team or need a complete cleanse of social media or don’t like something that’s going on in another walk of life. Scrub your social media, make everyone talk about them, and then leave us all to figure it out until the situation resolves itself or it doesn’t. That is where we are with Deebo Samuel heading into the last year of his rookie year. If you take a look at the landscape of this, we have seen countless receivers either get new contracts or get traded. That has basically been the way of this offseason.

“Tyreek Hill, of course, got a huge deal. Of course, Davante Adams going to the Las Vegas Raiders from the Green Bay Packers. I know there are other conversations going on with other star receivers. DK Metcalf would be one, AJ Brown would be another. Both of those — I know those teams would like to get them done. So where does that leave Deebo Samuel, who is a unique player? A weapon. As productive as anyone. Still without a long-term deal but I know the 49ers want to get this done.”

Samuel led the NFL in yards per reception last season, averaging 18.2. He finished with 1,770 total yards and 14 touchdowns. Getting a touchdown against the Dallas Cowboys in the Wild Card round and the Los Angeles Rams in the NFC Championship game, Shanahan fully unleashed Samuel’s full capability in the playoffs.

While Samuel may be the latest wide receiver looking for a new contract, his role has expanded far beyond just wide receiver in San Francisco’s offense. Even if NFL defenses want to try to stop him next season, they’ll have a tough time doing so.