It’s been a rough few days for Pro Bowl receiver Deebo Samuel, who says he’s received death threats and racist comments from fans who didn’t appreciate him scrubbing his social media of all 49ers references. Entering the final year of his rookie contract, Samuel is believed to be seeking an extension worth $25 million annually, which would make him among the NFL’s highest-paid receivers.
The 26-year-old is coming off a breakout 2021, achieving All-Pro status on the strength of 1,770 yards (1,405 receiving, 365 rushing) and 14 touchdowns.
While Michael Irvin and others have advised Samuel to stay in San Francisco as long as he can (coach Kyle Shanahan has always maximized his skill-position talent), the recent explosion in wide receiver money presents a unique opportunity. With Tyreek Hill, Davante Adams, DeAndre Hopkins and Stefon Diggs all making north of $25 million, Samuel could command similar money on his next deal, particularly on the heels of a dominant postseason that saw him emerge as the Niners’ go-to weapon (291 yards from scrimmage, two touchdowns). Given his rare versatility as a hybrid receiver/running back, you could make the case for Samuel as the most dangerous offensive force in all of football.
Not everyone will agree with Samuel’s tactics, unfollowing the Niners on social media in a game of passive aggressive chess. But understanding your worth is an invaluable skill and Samuel’s stock, coming off a season that saw him set an NFL record for most rushing touchdowns by a wide receiver (eight), has never been higher.
Too often we forget that athletes, regardless of their tax bracket or how many Instagram followers they have, are still human beings with the same pain and struggles as everyone else. Samuel claims he’s unbothered by the criticism he’s gotten from fans, but no one deserves that kind of abuse.
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