This year, Samuel has just 553 receiving yards and two total touchdowns (one receiving, one rushing) through 12 games, making it unlikely he will reach the 900-receiving-yard milestone again. On Monday, Samuel responded to criticism about his performance in a now-deleted social media post, deflecting blame for his lack of production.
"Not struggling at all just not getting the ball!!!!!!!" Samuel wrote.
On Tuesday morning, 49ers general manager John Lynch joined Bay Area radio station KNBR to address the perception of Samuel's struggles.
Lynch acknowledged that the 49ers' unique use of Samuel over the years has been mimicked by other teams, leading to defenses better adapting to defending those types of versatile players.
"I think people are becoming more familiar with it," Lynch said. "Deebo's a really good football player. He's created such a high standard for himself that, I think, frustration mounts. But he's made so many plays for us.
"I think we've got to give this guy some grace and bring him along because we need him the rest of the way. We're going to need him Thursday night."
The 49ers face a quick turnaround following Sunday's victory over the Chicago Bears. They'll host the Los Angeles Rams at Levi's Stadium on Thursday night, aiming to even their record at 7-7.
"Deebo's a big part of this team, and we're all right," Lynch continued. "We can all learn from situations, and a lot of different things in the world these days that you can get caught up in, but I think Deebo's in a good place from the way he's working, and we've got a lot of football to be played, and he'll be a big part of our season moving forward."
You can listen to Lynch's entire interview below.
Related News
More San Francisco 49ers News
-
Stop running from the belt: 49ers' Brandon Aiyuk continues to keep drama alive on social media
Brandon Aiyuk isn't doing much to quiet the rumors surrounding his future—or his sanity. He's seemingly doing everything he can to keep the drama alive, and it is a story that won't go away. And though he isn't spelling it out, Aiyuk appears to be sending the 49ers a... -
49ers' Trent Williams throws shade at division rival Rams
San Francisco 49ers left tackle Trent Williams didn't hold back when discussing the team's Week 1 trip to Australia to face division rival Los Angeles Rams. The international matchup eliminates one of the 49ers' biggest annual advantages—playing at SoFi Stadium, where The... -
Mike Evans' former QB disappointed to lose him to 49ers
Several of Mike Evans' former Tampa Bay Buccaneers teammates were surprised to see the veteran wide receiver leave in free agency and sign with the San Francisco 49ers. Among them was quarterback Baker Mayfield, who developed a strong connection with Evans during their time... -
George Kittle raves about 49ers rookie Kaelon Black: 'Very fast and very mature'
Much has been made of the San Francisco 49ers selecting running back Kaelon Black in the third round of the 2026 NFL Draft. Many viewed the pick as a reach, but the 49ers remain confident in their decision and believe Black can make a long-term impact. One teammate who has...