49ers Rumors: Latest Buzz, Players to Watch at Mandatory Minicamp

One of the two rumored offseason trade targets still on the San Francisco 49ers roster is participating in the team's mandatory minicamp.

Wide receiver Deebo Samuel, who requested a trade this offseason, did some running on a side field but did not participate in the team practice, per ESPN.com's Nick Wagoner.

Nothing has come to fruition for Samuel, nor quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo, yet and the timeline is getting shorter to find a solution to those issues.

San Francisco has some other roster issues to sort out after the retirement of center Alex Mack. Kyle Shanahan and his staff will use minicamp and training camp to find the best possible replacement at center for the 13-year veteran.

Deebo Samuel at Minicamp, Jimmy Garoppolo Is Not

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INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA - JANUARY 30: Jimmy Garoppolo #10 of the San Francisco 49ers looks to hand off the ball to a teammate during the game against the Los Angeles Rams in the NFC Championship Game at SoFi Stadium on January 30, 2022 in Inglewood, California. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)

NFL Network's Tom Pelissero reported on Monday that the 49ers excused Jimmy Garoppolo from the mandatory minicamp while the team seeks a trade for last year's starting quarterback.

The excused absence allows Garoppolo to continue rehabbing his shoulder surgery away from the facility.

Garoppolo and Deebo Samuel were widely speculated as trade targets throughout the offseason, but the 49ers clearly want to keep Samuel. General manager John Lynch said in early June that he'd be a "fool" to trade the All-Pro wide wideout, per ESPN's Adam Schefter.

49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan told reporters that he expects Garoppolo to arrive for training camp in July if he is healthy and has not been traded by then, per The Athletic's David Lombardi, which could make for an awkward situation with the team now focused on Lance's development.

Focus on Finding Alex Mack's Replacement

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INGLEWOOD, CA - JANUARY 30: Offensive Line Coach Chris Foerster of the San Francisco 49ers talks with Alex Mack #50 and Jake Brendel #64 on the sidelines during the game against the Los Angeles Rams at SoFi Stadium on January 30, 2022 in Inglewood, California. The Rams defeated the 49ers 20-17. (Photo by Michael Zagaris/San Francisco 49ers/Getty Images)

Alex Mack officially announced his retirement earlier this week, making center one of the positions to watch throughout the rest of the offseason for the Niners.

Jake Brendel and Daniel Brunskill are the most likely options to take over at center.

Brendel has been taking first-team reps throughout the offseason there, according to Jack Hammer of Inside the 49ers, and Brunskill played in the middle of the offensive line at points of the 2021 season.

San Francisco's staff might be willing to test out some rookies at some point of training camp, such as Nick Zakelj, Dohnovan West and Jason Poe.

However, it should be expected that Brendel and Brunskill earn chances to compete for the job first because of their experience level.

San Francisco could always look to the free-agent or trade markets too. That may be a far-from-preferred option since the 49ers need familiarity within the offensive system off the bat in the 2022 season to help acclimate Trey Lance.

Jauan Jennings

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GREEN BAY, WI - JANUARY 22: San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Jauan Jennings (15) calls for a first down during the NFC Divisional playoff game between the Green Bay Packers and the San Francisco 49ers at Lambeau Field on January 22, 2022, in Green Bay, WI. (Photo by Larry Radloff/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

The 49ers need to be prepared in case they move on from Deebo Samuel before Week 1.

The good news for the offense is that the two wide receivers who would receive the largest increase in production have had strong offseasons, according to Shanahan.

San Francisco's head coach told reporters on Tuesday that Jauan Jennings and Brandon Aiyuk "had as good an offseason as they've had since they've been in the league," per The Athletic's Matt Barrows.

Jennings stood out more during the portion of Tuesday's practice that was open to the media. Chris Biderman of the Sacramento Bee pointed out that Jennings was particularly good in the red zone.

The 49ers would need more out of Jennings in every part of the field if Samuel departs. Jennings emerged as the No. 3 wide receiver last season, bringing in five touchdown catches on 24 receptions.

Even if Samuel does return, the 49ers need more out of Jennings and others to open up the offense, which finished 13th in scoring last season.

Last season's production was a promising sign for what Jennings can do in the future, and by all accounts at minicamp, he is poised to increase that total in 2022.