The San Francisco 49ers might be preparing for an NFC Divisional Round showdown with the Green Bay Packers on Saturday night, but they're already looking ahead to retaining one of their most important pieces this offseason.

Per Ian Rapoport of The NFL Network, the 49ers and Deebo Samuel are progressing in negotiations on a potential blockbuster deal:

Samuel has easily been their best player this season, serving as the ultimate weapon at wide receiver and running back. His current contract with the team is set to run out after next season therefore the 49ers want to lock him up for the long-term.

As Rapoport said, the new extension could be in the ballpark of $20 million per season. Samuel shined in the Wild Card Round against the Dallas Cowboys, registering 72 yards on 10 rushes. Then at wideout, he also collected three catches for 38 yards. 2021 was truly a breakout year for Deebo in his third NFL season, giving the 49ers huge upside at two different positions. He posted 14 touchdowns overall and finished fifth in the NFL with 1,405 receiving yards while also proving to be a consistent threat at RB.

There's absolutely no doubt the 49ers would love to pay Samuel handsomely and if he can be a leading catalyst in them making a deep playoff run as well, it's only going to help his case even more. San Fran has a legitimate franchise piece here that they will not want to lose. A big-money extension certainly makes a ton of sense.