This was probably no surprise to head coach Kyle Shanahan, who on Tuesday joked that his wide receiver kept in contact in recent weeks, showing off the results of his offseason efforts.
"Never had a grown man send me so many pictures with his shirt off, but it looks good, and I can tell he's put the work in," Shanahan told reporters.
Samuel admits that his 2022 performance was a disappointment, going as far as calling last year's results "awful." The wide receiver is looking to avoid a repeat of last season's performance and discussed his new sleeker look with reporters on Wednesday.
"I'd say this is probably the best shape that I've been in since I since the 2019 year," Samuel said. "You know, you got that long time of working out, a long time of preparation. I took them 40 days away and really got to it, and got to where I wanted to be."
Samuel revealed that he feels faster and lighter on his feet, making it easier to change directions on routes. His hard work wasn't the only thing contributing to his improved form. The receiver worked out in Arizona in the weeks leading to training camp.
"I think the heat kind of played a part in that, too, because Arizona is hot," Samuel explained. "So, had a great trainer, Nick Hill. I mean, we was doing a lot of running, a lot of cardio, a lot of stuff to kind of trim the fat a little bit. A lot of track working out. Then I got into a routine of flexibility, mobility, and then I got into boxing a little bit."
The receiver couldn't escape without being asked (by Eric Branch of the San Francisco Chronicle) about the shirtless photos sent to his head coach. He laughed at the question.
"Kyle's kind of funny, man. We was choppin' it up," Samuel shared. "I told him what my goal was coming back. But I had sent him a video, the one I had put on Instagram, me catching the ball. And he was like, 'Yeah, this is what I like to see.' And I was like, 'Yeah, whatever,' just kind of joking a little bit."
Related News
More San Francisco 49ers News
-
49ers veteran named best player who could be cut before 2026 season
San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk may seem like the obvious answer when discussing the team's best player who could still be cut before the 2026 NFL season. After all, the organization has already indicated that Aiyuk has likely played his final snap in the Bay... -
Backup 49ers tight end labeled San Francisco's best-kept secret
The top of the San Francisco 49ers depth chart is loaded with star power, but the roster also features several reliable backups capable of stepping in when needed. That became evident last season when quarterback Brock Purdy missed time and Mac Jones helped keep the offense... -
49ers disaster: 'Too many red flags' have writer predicting rough 2026 season
What would qualify as a disaster for the San Francisco 49ers in 2026? Missing the playoffs entirely after returning to the postseason last year despite battling through an injury-plagued campaign would certainly fit the description. That's exactly what Gilberto Manzano of... -
49ers playoff prediction debate: Why San Francisco is being wildly underestimated
Spoiler alert: Because I believe in the jinx factor, I do not make predictions for my teams. I do, however, judge the predictions of others. In this article, four prognosticators project the San Francisco 49ers making the playoffs with different winning records—but making the...