Deebo Samuel Sr. has had a disappointing start to the season. Following Brandon Aiyuk’s season-ending ACL injury, Samuel was expected to take on a significant role; however, he has struggled to meet those expectations so far.
The San Francisco 49ers wide receiver has 33 receptions for 490 yards and a touchdown on 52 targets in nine games this year. He has also been ineffective in the run game and is averaging just 2.9 yards per carry.
Legendary 49ers wide receiver Terrell Owens has recently called out Samuel and questioned his priorities.
Terrell Owens Lashed Out at Deebo Samuel Sr.
Samuel signed a three-year, $71.55 million contract extension with the 49ers in 2022. His average annual salary is close to $24 million, and Owens is upset with his efforts.
“Deebo is not really playing up to Deebo’s standards,” Owens said on 95.7 The Game in San Francisco, per Sports Illustrated. “It seems like he’s more focused on his pregame attire than the game. If we can shift that focus, maybe that can energize and create some more production from an offensive standpoint. I’m just being tongue-in-cheek with that.”
Samuel didn’t wait long to respond to Owens. He went on social media to deliver his message. “T.O. cut it, fam!!!!!” wrote the 49ers star via X.
#49ers Deebo Samuel becomes the first WR in NFL history to record 20+ rushing TDs and 20+ receiving TDs in their career. 🔥 pic.twitter.com/yv1AuYkbNO
— Pro Football Network (@PFN365) October 11, 2024
Samuel has been an important player for Kyle Shanahan over the years. However, Jauan Jennings has stepped up massively this season and is currently the 49ers WR1. Rookie wideout Rickey Pearsall has also shown positive signs and has stepped up in Aiyuk’s absence.
There were constant trade rumors involving Samuel at the time of the 2024 NFL Draft, but the team decided to keep him. So far, that decision hasn’t worked in the favor of the NFC West franchise, as the one-time All-Pro has underperformed.
The 49ers are likely to release Samuel after this season due to salary cap constraints. If this is his last year in San Francisco, the South Carolina product must ensure he finishes the season on a high so that he can play for a contender next season.
Samuel, 49ers Are Under Immense Pressure in Week 12
The 49ers lost 20-17 to the Seattle Seahawks last week and are now 5-5 on the season. They will face the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field this Sunday, and it is a huge game for their season.
A loss against Green Bay in Week 12 will severely hurt San Francisco’s chances of making the playoffs. As a result, the team and Samuel must be at their best to get a result against the Packers.
Samuel, including the playoffs, is 4-1 against the Packers in his career. He has 14 receptions for 126 yards and three touchdowns in these five games. The two teams faced each other in the Wild Card round last season, in which the 49ers won 24-21.
Green Bay has won five of its last six games and will be motivated to prevent the 49ers from making the playoffs. The NFC North franchise enters this game as a three-point favorite, and a win for either team will put them in an ideal spot to play in the postseason.