Deebo Samuel Sr. isn’t staying silent about the criticism surrounding his weight. The wide receiver took to social media to address speculation about his physical condition following a season where his playmaking ability declined.
The San Francisco 49ers agreed to trade Samuel to the Washington Commanders on March 1, less than two months after he requested a trade following the 2024 NFL season.
Deebo Samuel Jr. Is Pushing Back on the Critics
The move comes after one of the least productive seasons of his six-year tenure with the 49ers. Samuel’s performance in 2024 failed to match the explosiveness he displayed in 2021 and 2023, and reports suggested that his physical shape played a role in the decline. In response, Samuel pushed back on the criticism.
225 to be exact…. Can’t wait till this season start. Fresh start new Bo🥶 https://t.co/d7OBieGoFN
— Deebo (@19problemz) March 3, 2025
“225 to be exact…. Can’t wait till this season start. Fresh start, new Bo,” Samuel wrote.
According to The Athletic’s Matt Barrows, Samuel’s weight has fluctuated throughout his time with San Francisco. He weighed 214 pounds at the 2019 NFL Scouting Combine, and the 49ers initially wanted him to stay between 210 and 212 pounds. Over time, that target reportedly shifted, with the team hoping he would not exceed 220 pounds.
Just a day ago, Samuel shared this on social media about his former team.
“49ers know where I stand with them, and it’s nothing but love. Love John and Kyle to death, no bad blood, no way, shape, or form. They know I’m more than appreciative of everything they [have] done for me as a player and a man, nothing but love,” Samuel said as a farewell note following his departure for Washington.
Samuel clarified that he appreciated his time with the 49ers and expressed gratitude for his former GM and head coach. Samuel did not mention the Commanders in this post but expressed his excitement about beginning this new journey in an earlier post to X.
One thing that is clear is Samuel has his eyes set on the future. A dynamic big-play star like Samuel, with added motivation, could be scary for the league, but his ability at the age of 29 will make or break the remainder of his career as he will be in a contract year come 2025.
Samuel’s 2025 season could be the biggest for the former All-Pro yet. Can Samuel prove his worth and boost his value to the Commanders and any team looking to sign the pending free agent after this upcoming season, or will 2025 prove that the playmaker’s best days are behind him?