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Deebo Samuel: A star looking to shine again
Thursday night football this week sees the LA Rams at the San Franciso 49ers in a key NFC West cash. There will be plenty to play for, but for one man, the 49ers wide receiver Deebo Samuel, perhaps a little bit more than others.
Samuel has not been having a great season and his numbers are shaping up poorly, with 40 receptions, 553 yards, and two touchdowns — all three categories put him on target for a career-low since the COVID season of 2020. He's desperate to up his game, but he's not sure that he is playing poorly. Taking to social media after Sunday's win over the Chicago Bears, he wrote on X: "Not struggling at all just not getting the ball!"
It's a Tweet that didn't go down well as it appeared he was either blaming his teammates or the coach. He tried to clarify this in a follow up message, saying: "Just cause I voice my opinions don’t mean I’m hating on any of my teammates!"
The reality is that he's feeling the heat of bad numbers — against the Bears he touched the ball seven times for a total of 35 yards. His 22 receiving yards made it the fourth week in a row in which he failed to reach the 30-receiving-yard plateau.
As we head towards Thursday's clash between the Rams and the 49ers let's take a moment to profile Deebo Samuel...
Who is Deebo Samuel?
Deebo Samuel, born Tyshun Raequan Samuel, grew up in Inman, South Carolina, where he earned the nickname 'Deebo' from the character played by Tom Lister Jr. in the movie 'Friday' because of his aggressive playing style. A standout at the University of South Carolina, Samuel exhibited extraordinary versatility, excelling as a receiver, runner, and return specialist.
Drafted by the San Francisco 49ers in the second round of the 2019 NFL Draft, Samuel quickly became known for his dynamic ability to turn short receptions into long gains, earning him recognition as one of the most versatile offensive weapons in the league.
Career highlights
Samuel’s breakout season came in 2021, when he redefined the role of a wide receiver by frequently lining up as a running back. Dubbed the “wide back” role, he finished the season with 1,405 receiving yards, 365 rushing yards, and 14 total touchdowns. His efforts earned him first-team All-Pro honours and helped the 49ers reach the NFC Championship game.
Despite battling injuries in 2022, Samuel remained a key contributor, but his 2024 season has been anything but smooth sailing.
The struggles of 2024
Samuel’s stats this season tell a story of decline:
- 40 receptions for 553 yards and 2 touchdowns through 13 games
- A career-low trajectory in key categories like receptions, yardage, and touchdowns since his rookie year
His frustrations came to a head after Sunday’s win against the Bears, where he voiced his displeasure about his limited role in the offense.
While Samuel clarified that his comments weren’t aimed at teammates, the public airing of grievances has added pressure as the 49ers approach a critical juncture in their season.
Strengths and versatility
What makes Samuel special is his ability to contribute in multiple ways:
- Physicality: Samuel’s tough, hard-nosed style makes him difficult to tackle, often requiring multiple defenders to bring him down
- Versatility: His willingness and effectiveness as a runner give the 49ers an additional weapon in their offense
- Big-Play Potential: Samuel has a knack for turning small gains into explosive plays, a skill that the 49ers need to exploit more as the season progresses
What’s next for Deebo?
The Rams game provides an opportunity for Samuel to silence critics. With Christian McCaffrey out due to injury, there’s an expectation that the 49ers will rely more heavily on Samuel in both the passing and running game.
If he can deliver a standout performance, Samuel could reignite his season and position himself as the difference-maker the 49ers need in their final push.
Deebo Samuel may be struggling statistically, but his talent and potential remain undeniable. As the 49ers look to overcome their midseason struggles, their success may depend on Samuel reclaiming his role as one of the NFL’s most electrifying players.
