Deebo Samuel Sr. has been in NFL headlines this week. One San Francisco 49ers insider claimed the star wide receiver was 20 pounds overweight, saying it affected his lack of explosion and ability to break tackles and outrun the opposition.
However, Samuel responded to these claims with a dismissive attitude amid the 49ers receiver’s pending trade search.
Deebo Samuel Sr. Responds to ‘Overweight’ Comments
This past season was one Samuel would like to forget as his 806 scrimmage yards were the lowest in his career since the 2020 season when he played in just seven games.
He asked for a trade in January, and the 49ers permitted his team to seek a trade. The 49ers at the time did not think they would lose their No. 1 wide receiver, but now it seems inevitable that he will not suit up in a 49ers uniform next season.
Samuel responded to the claim from beat writer Tim Kawakami on The TK Show, with the S.F. star stating that people make things up. However, shortly after posting the tweet, Samuel decided to delete it.
Deebo Samuel responded to a report claiming he was out of shape during the 2024 season. The #49ers WR’s post was later deleted.
Details: https://t.co/nJDEdBK7MX pic.twitter.com/p8eFC1ZSDc
— 49ers Webzone (@49erswebzone) February 14, 2025
Samuel’s 49ers Era Over: Bad Breakup Ending Soon?
Samuel had the worst season of his career since his injury-riddled 2020 season. Additionally, the 49ers’ season was one they would like to forget as an organization. The 49ers missed the playoffs for the first time since 2020 and finished with a record of 6-11.
With all the reports of Samuel’s weight mixed in with his down year and the trade request, it seems like the two parties are not seeing eye to eye anymore with signs pointing toward Samuel not playing another down for the 49ers.
In the six years Samuel spent with the 49ers, he and the franchise were able to do some great things together. The 49ers were able to make it to the Super Bowl twice, though they suffered losses in both. So far in his career, he is a one-time Pro Bowler and one-time All-Pro after being a second-round pick. He has 43 total touchdowns and 5,935 yards from scrimmage.
Assuming he is traded as opposed to being released, Samuel will still be under contract for one more season. He carries over a cap hit of $15.8 million. It is unknown where Samuel’s next stop will be. However, the Pittsburgh Steelers are a commonly named landing spot. The Steelers are in desperate need to improve offensively and land some star talent.
READ MORE: Deebo Samuel Sr. Landing Spots That Make Sense
Some other teams that can use him include the New England Patriots and the Los Angeles Chargers. Those teams are both in the market for a wide receiver and could be very interested in Samuel.
At 29 years old and with one year left on his contract, it will be interesting to see what type of compensation the 49ers receive for his talents. Most likely, the 49ers would garner a mid-round draft pick.
However, due to his weight and potentially not wanting to sign an extension, teams may be wary of giving up assets for an aging wide receiver who may refuse an extension. Fans should hope a deal is made so they can move some of his contract money off the books and acquire draft capital, but a straight-up release is also possible.