Deebo Samuel throws shade at 49ers while defending himself over lack of production
Deebo Samuel is supposed to be the rare dual-threat wideout - a player who can not only catch the ball but also carry it on the ground. But in 2024, he has not been playing to the lofty expectations placed on him.
In twelve games so far, he has covered just 553 yards and scored a single touchdown on 64 catches, while also rushing 32 times for 92 yards and a touchdown. Such a decline in production has naturally led to criticism, as well as lingering sentiment that he will be released at the end of the season in a salary cap move.
In response, the one-time Pro Bowler reiterated that he was not struggling for performance - rather, the San Francisco 49ers were not feeding him often enough:
"Not struggling at all just not getting the ball!!!!!!! [shrug emoji]"
The post has now been deleted, gaining over 5.2 million views on X.
Last time out against the Chicago Bears, Samuel had just 22 yards from two catches and 13 from five rushes. However, the 49ers still won the game 38-13 thanks to fellow wideout Jauan Jennings (two touchdown catches) and running backs Isaac Guerendo and Patrick Taylor (three rushing touchdowns combined).
Insider thinks Deebo Samuel will remain a 49er in 2025
Despite Deebo Samuel's apparent displeasure about lack of touches, one insider thinks he will still be in the Bay Area in 2025 to play out his current contract. NBC Sports Bay Area’s Matt Maiocco said on Sunday, hours before the game against the Bears (skip to 3:12 for the discussion):
“I have heard a lot of people talking about Deebo Samuel, that this could be it for him. I just don’t see it. I think Deebo Samuel will be part of the team in 2025.”
He points to two on-field reasons: uncertainty over how Brandon Aiyuk will fare once his ACL fully heals and Ricky Pearsall’s underwhelming rookie season.
There is also the aforementioned issue of his contract, which is set to earn him $1.1 million dollars in 2025:
“[Moving on from Samuel] doesn’t really save the 49ers much money at all. And they need him. They need him to perform, that’s why I think it’s important for him to get going. Build some momentum for next season.”
Should the 49ers cut Samuel before June 1, they will absorb a cap hit of $16 million. Another million dollars will be added if he gets a post-June 1 designation