San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Deebo Samuel Sr. has had a disappointing season by his standards, with his explosive playmaking largely absent and his overall production falling well below expectations for the former All-Pro.
So far, Samuel has managed 40 receptions, 553 yards, and just two touchdowns — all three stats trending toward career lows since the 2020 COVID season.
He has surpassed five receptions in a game only once this year and has failed to reach 100 scrimmage yards in nine of the 11 games he’s played.
In Sunday’s victory over the Chicago Bears, Samuel had seven touches for 35 yards, including just 22 receiving yards. It marked his fourth consecutive game with fewer than 30 receiving yards. His 13 rushing yards, however, were his best output since Week 10 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
After the game, Samuel briefly spoke to the media, calling it “a good win” and keeping his emotions in check.
But the next day, Samuel let his frustrations be known on social media.
Deebo’s Message on Social Media
San Francisco 49ers’ Deebo Samuel Sr. runs with the ball against the Dallas Cowboys.
Taking to X, Samuel posted, “Not struggling at all, just not getting the ball.”
> “Not struggling at all just not getting the ball!!!!!!!”
— Deebo (@19problemz), December 9, 2024
The timing of the post is notable, given that Samuel is one of the team’s eight captains. It came a day after San Francisco snapped a three-game losing streak with a win over Chicago, keeping their playoff hopes alive heading into a must-win game against the Los Angeles Rams on Thursday.
Interestingly, Samuel had the second-most touches of any 49ers player in the Chicago game but finished with the fourth-most scrimmage yards.
Samuel followed up his initial post by clarifying that his frustration wasn’t directed at his teammates.
> “Just cause I voice my opinions don’t mean I’m hating on any of my teammates!! Be Fr”
— Deebo (@19problemz), December 9, 2024
If not his teammates, who is Samuel pointing to for his 2024 struggles? Is he subtly criticizing head coach Kyle Shanahan for his career-low 7.5 yards after the catch? Or is it related to his 1.73 yards per route run?
The timing of Samuel’s comments might be questionable, but his sentiments are not unique among 49ers players this season.
49ers Players Frustrated Amid Down Year
49ers’ George Kittle and Deebo Samuel Sr. warm up before a game against the Dallas Cowboys.
Tight end George Kittle shared his own frustrations following the 49ers’ Week 13 loss to the Buffalo Bills, a game in which he was limited to just one catch.
“I do not have an explanation,” Kittle said. “I think I ran six more routes the rest of the day [after catching San Francisco’s first pass of the game]. I felt pretty open multiple times. It is what it is.”
Kittle responded with a breakout performance in the next game, racking up 151 receiving yards and three catches of over 30 yards in the win over Chicago.
The hope is that Samuel’s social media post will have a similar effect, sparking a breakout performance against the Rams.
In nine career games against Los Angeles, Samuel has been dominant, recording 47 receptions for 639 yards and seven touchdowns. Whether he can replicate that success remains to be seen, but the 49ers will need Samuel to step up if they hope to avoid playoff elimination for another week.
