The ex-Green Bay Packers VP isn’t holding back when it comes to Deebo Samuel Sr.’s massive $22 million-a-year payday with the San Francisco 49ers. In a scorching take, he took a shot at Samuel’s hefty contract, suggesting that the WR may not exactly be worth the price tag.
With NFL salaries skyrocketing, it’s no surprise some are calling out the disparity between production and paychecks.
Andrew Brandt Slams Deebo Samuel Sr.’s $20+ Million Payday
Andrew Brandt dropped a thought-provoking post on X (formerly known as Twitter) about Samuel’s jaw-dropping salary. The ex-Packers VP shared this information:
2024 compensation:
- Deebo Samuel: $22 million
- Packers 7 WRs: $8 million
Ouch. The comparison has fans everywhere asking what’s going on here.
2024 compensation:
Deebo Samuel: $22 million
Packers 7 WRs: $8 million.— Andrew Brandt (@AndrewBrandt) November 25, 2024
Samuel kicked off his career with a rookie contract worth just $7.2 million in 2019, but after a trade drama in 2022, he locked in an excellent three-year, $71.5 million deal with the 49ers. Now, he earns an average annual value (AAV) of $23.85 million, slightly more than the $22 million figure Brandt cited. Oh, and did we mention his $24 million signing bonus? Yeah, that’s some serious cash.
So how does the WR stack up? Well, the numbers don’t lie, the Packers’ entire wide receiver group makes less than Samuel’s single-year paycheck.
The Packers have six wide receivers under contract on their active roster, not seven as Brandt stated, and they combine for an $8.132 million cap hit in 2024. While that compares more favorably with Samuel’s 2024 cap hit ($12.215) than his contract AAV, Brandt’s point still stands, even if factually inaccurate and misleading.
Samuel’s deal has more bells and whistles than a carnival ride: workout bonuses, rushing incentives, plus the ability to cash in big time on his versatility ($650,000 for 380 rushing yards). Is he worth it? For the Niners, it’s a no-brainer. But for the rest of the NFL, especially the Packers, this deal’s a real head-turner. Let the debates begin.
Samuel Stuck in a Slump, Backup QB Woes Add to Struggles
Samuel’s season is officially stuck in neutral. In Week 12’s 38-10 disaster against the Packers, he managed just one catch for 21 yards off four targets. Already struggling this year, Samuel got no help from a backup QB under center, making any chance of a bounce-back effort almost impossible.
For the first time this season, Samuel didn’t record a single rushing attempt. The versatile playmaker, known for his dual-threat skills, was completely silent on the ground. Combine that with a paltry 590 yards and only two TDs over 10 games, and it’s safe to say 2024 has not been his year.
But here’s where stuff could turn around: Brock Purdy’s potential return in Week 13 could bring some life back to Samuel’s game. With a tough road matchup against the Buffalo Bills looming, the Niners need their playmaking star to snap out of this funk. If Purdy can get back on track, Samuel might just rediscover his groove. For now, though, it’s a rough ride. Let’s see if the comeback is on.