Deebo Samuel brought a unique skill set to the San Francisco 49ers' offense. Not only was he a reliable pass-catcher for quarterback Brock Purdy, but his ability to rack up yards after the catch (YAC) made him a dangerous weapon. Additionally, Samuel's versatility allowed him to line up in the backfield, pressuring opposing defenses as a pseudo-running back.
However, Samuel is likely to play elsewhere in 2025. In January, the disgruntled wideout requested a trade, and the 49ers aren't opposed to the idea, permitting him to seek one.
Samuel's production has significantly declined since his stellar 2021 campaign, when he amassed 1,770 scrimmage yards and 14 total touchdowns, earning himself a lucrative contract extension. Since signing that deal, he has failed to surpass 900 receiving yards in a season and finished the past year with just 806 scrimmage yards and four total touchdowns.
Speaking on NFL Live, ESPN analyst Mina Kimes highlighted how the 49ers' offense dropped from first in yards after the catch (YAC) per reception to 20th.
"And some of that had to do with a little bit of a decline from Deebo," Kimes noted.
However, she also pointed out that injuries to running back Christian McCaffrey and wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk played a role in the statistical decline.
"While Brandon Aiyuk isn't a YAC guy, he creates space for players to work underneath," Kimes explained. "So getting those players back will help. I still think that if they move on from Deebo, even with those players coming back, though, they need to find a receiver who can work underneath, especially with Aiyuk back in the fold.
"Especially because not only is [head coach and play-caller] Kyle Shanahan so good at creating those opportunities to get yards after the catch, but you've got a quarterback in Brock Purdy who throws the ball quickly and accurately. So you want skill players who can benefit from that, particularly over the middle of the field."
Kimes believes Shanahan and the 49ers should look to the draft to find a player capable of offsetting Samuel's departure.
"Are there players who can sort of—not replicate Deebo's skill set, because he truly was a unicorn—but at least contribute in that way?" Kimes questioned.
Meanwhile, ESPN reporter Jeremy Fowler added that the 49ers remain confident in their other receivers and don't anticipate a significant drop-off without Samuel.
"Yeah, the 49ers believe this cupboard is not bare, that Jauan Jennings can make another jump, just like he did last year," Fowler said. "He can do so in 2025. Ricky Pearsall, they believe in him."
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