49ers plan to release Javon Hargrave but not Deebo Samuel

The San Francisco 49ers plan to release veteran defensive tackle Javon Hargrave with a post-June 1 designation when the new league year begins in March, general manager John Lynch confirmed.

Hargrave, 31, missed the last 14 games of the 2024 season with a torn right triceps. The two-time Pro Bowler has 45.5 sacks in 130 games with the Pittsburgh Steelers (2016-19), Philadelphia Eagles (2020-22) and 49ers.

Hargrave signed a four-year, $84 million deal in 2023 but restructured his contract last month. With a post-June 1 designation, he would count $8.6 million in dead money in 2025 and $17.5 million in 2026, compared to nearly $25 million without the designation, per ESPN.

Hargrave could return to San Francisco on a reduced deal.

"We do have some challenges and so this doesn't mean we can't compete for his services," Lynch said. "Rather than waiting until post-June 1 and being [out of luck] because free agency already happened, it gives him an opportunity to go see what his market is. And that may include us.

"... We know Javon. He's on a good track coming back from his injury. And would we be interested in having him? Of course. Is that something we can come to an agreement on and is it something that fits in our plans? We will see."

Lynch said Wednesday that the 49ers have no such plans to release wide receiver Deebo Samuel, whose 806 yards from scrimmage in 2024 were his fewest since the 2020 campaign.

Samuel, 28, restructured his deal in September. Releasing him with a post-June 1 designation would cost the 49ers about $10.8 million over the next two years, per ESPN.

Samuel signed a three-year, $71 million extension with the 49ers following his All-Pro campaign in 2021. He carries a $15.8 million cap hit in 2025.

"Deebo is under contract," Lynch said. "[He's] a good player and has done a ton for this organization and we're not in the business of letting good players out of here."

Samuel has 4,792 receiving yards with 22 touchdowns and 1,143 rushing yards and 20 scores in 81 games since the 49ers drafted him in the second round in 2019.

--Field Level Media