Michael Irvin became one of the loudest supporters of Deebo Samuel this past NFL postseason, as his “Deeeeboooo Ohhhhhhh” chant became a rally cry for the 49ers Faithful.
Things appear to be on the rocks between Deebo and the 49ers this offseason, as the valuable offensive weapon has scrubbed references of his team off his Instagram – which is supposedly a big deal in 2022. Irvin joined 95.7 The Game’s “Damon & Ratto” Tuesday to discuss the Deebo situation. You can hear the full conversation above.
“Say it ain’t so about Deebo,” Irvin told hosts Damon Bruce and Ray Ratto.
After the 49ers were beset by injuries last season, Samuel stepped into a part-time running back role and thrived, setting an NFL record with eight rushing touchdowns as a wide receiver. Including the postseason, Deebo racked up 16 touchdowns, 87 catches, 1,559 receiving yards and 502 rushing yards. His 18.2 yards per reception was tops in the league.
Samuel is seemingly upset because he hasn’t received an extension while other receivers like Tyreek Hill, Davante Adams and Stefon Diggs got huge paydays this offseason. Matt Maiocco of NBC Sports Bay Area recently wrote about the possibility of the 49ers trading Samuel and it sent 49ers social media into a frenzy.
Irvin said he talked to Samuel at the Super Bowl about his situation.
“We had a good talk,” Irvin said. “I love this dude. I was singing, ‘Deeeebooo’ in his ear. Great moment. I love this dude, man, I love the way he plays. I even said to him, ‘Hey man, get all you can. But I think it would be best for you stay with San Francisco, to stay with Kyle Shanahan.’”
Many figure that Samuel is worth more than $20 million, but if he believes he’s the best offensive talent in the NFL that figure might be more.
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It seems like the 49ers are handcuffed financially by Jimmy Garoppolo’s $26.9 million contract, as they hope he’ll be recovered from shoulder surgery in time for training camp in July. Whether he remains with the 49ers or eventually gets traded before Week 1 remains to be seen. Nick Bosa is also eligible for a contract extension but hasn’t made a public huff about it like Deebo.
Irvin thinks the Deebo-49ers relationship is beneficial for both parties.
“If I have the chance to leave the kind of mark that Deebo can leave, that Deebo will leave in this league and on a franchise, an organization like the San Francisco 49ers, I have to consider that,” Irvin said. “I say that on Deebo’s side. I say this on San Francisco’s side: if you let me walk into any damn locker room in this league, you give me 15 minutes in that locker room, I can tell you which player that team cannot do without, the player that has to be on that team. When I watch San Francisco, Deebo is that guy.
“He sets the tone for that team. You can talk about his skillset, you can talk about how well he runs, how high he jumps. When you find the dude that sets the tone for your team, you do not let him go. That’s what Deebo does for the San Francisco 49ers. I guarantee you, they’d be a different football team without him. Listen to me – I guar-an-tee you they would not be the same football team without him.”
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