49ers and Deebo Samuel: The End of an Era?

In a shocking development, the relationship between the San Francisco 49ers and their star wide receiver, Deebo Samuel, seems to be nearing its end. According to insiders, the team is convinced that it’s time to part ways with Samuel, and a release appears to be the likely outcome.

Veteran sports journalist Tim Kawakami recently weighed in on the situation. “He had a bad year,” Kawakami said. “He is not in shape. I said it on last week’s podcast—20 pounds. I keep hearing it, 20 pounds overweight. And that led to a lot of his lack of explosion, in their belief, his lack of ability to get through tackles, [which has] kind of been who he is. That’s why he’s so valuable. It’s not because he’s outrunning people.”

The issues between Samuel and the 49ers go beyond his physical condition. “The sense that Deebo’s, ‘Okay, you don’t think I’m that valuable? Let me get out of here.’ I think that this has come to an end,” Kawakami added. “This relationship, which was great for Kyle Shanahan and Deebo—I think they’re still close—but I think had been bumpy.”

Kawakami concluded, “I’ve heard that this, the Deebo thing for sure, on both sides, where they both think that there needs to be separation. It’s not like a play-it-out-threat thing. This is both sides are pretty well convinced that this is over.”

The Future Without Samuel

With Samuel’s potential exit on the horizon, the 49ers face the challenge of filling the void he leaves behind. The team’s current top four receivers are Brandon Aiyuk, Jauan Jennings, Ricky Pearsall, and Jacob Cowing. However, Aiyuk’s status at the start of the season remains uncertain. While Cowing showed promise in limited offensive snaps last season, he will need to step up to fill Samuel’s shoes.

The 49ers have several options in free agency, with big-name players like Amari Cooper, Keenan Allen, and Brandin Cooks potentially available. Although none of these players are long-term solutions, they could bolster the receiving corps as the team navigates Aiyuk’s recovery and the development of Pearsall and Cowing.

Eyes on the Draft

The 49ers also have their sights set on the draft to find a Deebo-like player. Draft expert Dane Brugler highlighted TCU’s Savion Williams as a potential candidate. “Big, physical athlete who can roll. Explosive dude (his jumps at the combine should be impressive). OK receiving production. But they had him run a lot of Wildcat QB and lined up in the backfield, and it really opened up his versatility this year,” Brugler said.

While Williams may not be an exact match for Samuel, his unique skill set and versatility make him a valuable asset. “It’s not an apples-to-apples comparison to Deebo, but they are similar in their uniqueness as an extension of the run game, but he also has ability downfield. Reminds me of Cordarrelle Patterson. I gave him a fourth-round grade but wouldn’t be surprised if he sneaks into Day 2 if someone has a clear vision for him.”

As the situation unfolds, the 49ers’ offseason strategy will be critical in shaping their future without Deebo Samuel. The team’s ability to adapt and find suitable replacements will determine how they fare in the upcoming season. Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story and the latest NFL news.