Ryan Clark didn’t hold back! The NFL analyst just dropped the mic on the San Francisco 49ers’ $71.5 million wideout, calling out a costly mistake against the Los Angeles Rams. Here’s the kicker: This same star recently blamed his team for his struggles, adding extra spice to the drama.
A fumble? A missed route? Whatever it was, Clark wasn’t about to let it slide. With stakes sky-high in the NFC West, Clark’s words hit harder than a linebacker blitz.
Ryan Clark Drags 49ers’ Deebo Samuel Sr. Amid $71.6 Million Flop
“Can’t talk cash 💩 & drop cash $!! Those two things don’t go together, Bruhda.”
That’s how Clark called out Deebo Samuel Sr. after the 49ers’ $71.6 million wideout made a costly mistake against the Rams. The jab wasn’t just about the game. It cut deeper, pointing to Samuel’s recent struggles and public frustrations.
Can’t talk cash 💩 & drop cash $!! Those two things don’t go together Bruhda.
— Ryan Clark (@Realrclark25) December 13, 2024
Samuel, now expected to be the team’s WR1 with Brandon Aiyuk sidelined, hasn’t exactly lived up to the billing. He’s in the middle of his worst statistical season.
Through 12 games before Week 15’s outing, he had posted just 40 receptions for 553 yards and a single touchdown. Career lows in receptions per game (3.3) and yards per game (46.1) aren’t helping his case, either. In Week 15, he added another 19 yards on five touches.
Fans aren’t buying his defense. When Samuel claimed, “Not struggling at all, just not getting the ball!” on X (formerly known as Twitter), critics clapped back, pointing to his lack of separation from defenders (a major red flag for a top WR).
The 49ers gambled on keeping Samuel despite offseason trade rumors. But with one year left on his deal, the team might regret that move. Samuel’s current production doesn’t match his $71.6 million price tag, and with cap management looming, he could be shown the door.
Clark’s critique, paired with Samuel’s underperformance, has sparked buzz around the league. Whether it’s a release or trade, the former South Carolina standout may need a fresh start next season.
For now, the 49ers must decide: bet on Samuel finding his groove or move on before the price gets steeper. As Clark aptly put it, Samuel’s output isn’t cutting it in San Francisco.
Samuel’s Fantasy Stock Faces TNF Pressure in Week 15
When Christian McCaffrey’s season ended with a PCL injury, Samuel seemed primed for a major uptick in fantasy football value. However, Week 15 told a different story. Despite expectations, Samuel didn’t see many more targets (seven) or carries (two).
With backup RB Isaac Guerendo working through a foot injury but active for the TNF clash, Samuel was expected to be potentially leaned on heavily in the rushing game, though he gained just three yards on two carries. His six targets per game have remained steady all season, but Brock Purdy has favored George Kittle and Jauan Jennings in key situations.
Samuel’s versatility keeps him in fantasy lineups, but his inconsistency makes him a risky play in the fantasy postseason. Fantasy managers banking on big points may need to temper expectations going forward. Unless the 49ers shift their game plan, Samuel’s production will continue to hover below the breakout many hoped for post-McCaffrey.