Earlier this week at 49ers minicamp, wide receiver Deebo Samuel gave a candid evaluation of his 2022 season, using the word “awful.”
Beyond that, Deebo admitted that his contract negotiation drama last summer contributed to his off year, along with his subpar conditioning. Heading into 2023, Deebo is looking to re-assert himself as one of the top receivers in the league.
On the latest episode of The 415ers podcast, Marc Grandi and Evan Giddings discussed how Deebo has no excuses this season.
“The fact that he partially blames his ‘awful’ 2022 season because of the whole offseason … which we can infer was the trade request and everything following that,” Grandi said. “I’m sorry, Deebo, but that’s kind of on you. You need to make sure you have yourself and your body ready and you’re ready to go when the season does come around. This time, there’s no excuses now. … You’re under contract and you’ve got the gigantic contract you’ve been waiting for.”
In 2021, Deebo established himself as a unique dual threat, as he led the league with 19.1 yards per catch but also set an NFL wide receiver record with eight rushing touchdowns. That set him up nicely for a three-year, $71.5 million extension that kicks in this fall.
Last season, Deebo looked out of shape, as he totaled just 56 catches for 632 yards and 42 rushes for 232 yards, with five total touchdowns. After the disappointing year, he sounds like a guy who wants to prove he’s worth a $35.2 million cap hit.
Things might get even more interesting next offseason, as the team might have to decide whether to keep Deebo or Brandon Aiyuk, because the Niners might not be able to afford both.
“Considering the upward trajectory that Brandon Aiyuk is on, I think Deebo Samuel is feeling a little bit of pressure,” Grandi said. “It’s not a contract year for Deebo, but it’s a year that might decide the rest of his future. At least the rest of his future with the San Francisco 49ers.”
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