Deebo Samuel Speaks Out on Frustration Over Lack of Opportunities
SANTA CLARA, Calif. — The San Francisco 49ers are gearing up for a crucial Week 15 matchup against the Los Angeles Rams, but the buzz surrounding the team this week has been less about game plans and more about wide receiver Deebo Samuel’s recent social media activity. On Monday, Samuel took to X (formerly Twitter) to express his frustration, writing, “Not struggling at all just not getting the ball!” The post was quickly deleted, but not before it sparked a wave of reactions from fans and analysts alike. Samuel later clarified with another post, stating he was “not hating on any of my teammates.”
When asked on Tuesday if he wanted to elaborate on his comments, Samuel kept it short and to the point: “You read what you read. [I’m] a little frustrated for sure.” And honestly, who could blame him? The numbers don’t lie, and they paint a picture of a player who’s been far less involved in the offense than he’s used to.
Deebo’s Decline in Production
Over the past four games, Samuel has managed just 97 yards from scrimmage on 17 touches, averaging a mere 5.7 yards per touch. To put that into perspective, he hasn’t surpassed 35 yards from scrimmage in any of those games, posting totals of 21, 21, 20, and 35 yards against Seattle, Green Bay, Buffalo, and Chicago, respectively. This marks the first time since his rookie season in 2019 that Samuel has failed to reach at least 50 yards from scrimmage in four consecutive games.
Even during a similar stretch in 2019, Samuel still managed games with 44, 48, and 40 yards from scrimmage. The current drought is uncharacteristic for a player who has been a dynamic force for the 49ers in recent years.
Shanahan’s Take on the Situation
Head coach Kyle Shanahan addressed the situation on Tuesday, acknowledging Samuel’s frustration but emphasizing the importance of keeping such matters internal. “I understand Deebo saying that,” Shanahan said. “Deebo wants to help us out, and the only way he helps us out is getting the ball more. We’d like to get it to him more.”
Shanahan added, “Is it a distraction in our building? No. … My advice is to not let the outside frustrate you because just answering those things isn’t going to help you in any way. It usually only hurts you. But as far as what we deal with and our relationships and our team, it’s water under the bridge.”
By the Numbers: A Drop in Usage
Samuel’s touches have indeed decreased slightly this season. He’s averaging six touches per game in 2024, down from 6.5 in 2023, 7.5 in 2022, and 8.5 during his breakout 2021 campaign. But it’s not just the number of opportunities that’s changed—his production when he does get the ball has also taken a hit.
- Samuel is averaging 53.8 scrimmage yards per game, which is on pace to be the lowest of his career.
- His two touchdowns this season would be his second-lowest total, only ahead of his injury-shortened 2020 season.
- On 32 carries, Samuel is averaging just 1.28 yards after contact per rush, a significant drop from the 2.07 he averaged in 2023.
- On 40 receptions, he’s gaining 7.6 yards after the catch, which would also be a career low.
Samuel himself acknowledged that defenses have adjusted to his unique skill set. “They’re not surprised no more,” he said. “We’ve been doing it for almost three years now, so it’s kind of you got a 50/50 chance, whether I’m in the backfield getting a handoff or end around or anything along those lines.”
Teammates Rally Around Deebo
Despite the recent struggles, Samuel’s teammates remain confident in his ability to make a big impact down the stretch. With key players like Christian McCaffrey (right knee), Jordan Mason (ankle), and Brandon Aiyuk (right ACL) out for the season, the 49ers will need Samuel to step up as they push for the playoffs.
Tight end George Kittle believes Samuel is on the verge of a breakout performance. “He’s very close,” Kittle said, referencing last week’s game against the Bears. “He’s about to pop off.”
Quarterback Brock Purdy echoed those sentiments, expressing his admiration for Samuel. “He’s like one of my best friends on this team,” Purdy said. “I absolutely love Deebo and what he’s done for me and helping me out. … I want to get Deebo the ball every play if I could. I want to have him break all the records as best as possible. I want Deebo to do Deebo things, and we all do in this building.”
Looking Ahead
With four games left in the regular season, the 49ers will need to find ways to get Samuel more involved in the offense. His track record against the Rams—88.2 scrimmage yards per game and seven touchdowns in nine career matchups—suggests he could be in for a big night on Thursday. As Samuel himself put it, “When it comes, it comes.”
Originally Written by: Nick Wagoner
