When the San Francisco 49ers committed a long-term deal with big money to a star wide receiver, it was rumored to have rubbed a teammate of his the wrong way. One talented wideout saw another get what they wanted.
Before last season kicked off, Brandon Aiyuk agreed with the only NFL team he's played for on a massive extension. The new deal was worth four years and $120 million with $76 million in guarantees, according to Over the Cap.
Deebo Samuel, who had a similarly awkward extension process in 2022, wanted something similar or comparable. However, San Francisco handled his request differently before that extension expired, trading him to the Washington Commanders for a fifth-round pick.
Perhaps it was long overdue to move on from the six-year veteran and often-injured receiver.
As the Commanders are finding out, Samuel may not be worth all the hassle.
Scrutiny over Deebo Samuel is valid and still present
Since being drafted by San Francisco, Samuel filled up the stat sheet for the 49ers rather well. In six seasons with the team, he recorded just under 5,000 receiving yards on 334 receptions, with 22 touchdowns by air and another 20 on the ground.
After using two selections in the 2024 NFL Draft, the Niners took a pair of wide receivers in Ricky Pearsall and Jacob Cowing. A change in culture regarding the wide receiver room was needed in the eyes of many.
During the 2024 season, Samuel complained publicly about a lack of targets and focus with him in the offense.
Reports depicting the new Commanders' receiver are still out there.
Mike Garafolo with the NFL Network recently shared his awkward encounter with Samuel. The reporter described how a simple handshake went south.
"Deebo Samuel joined us on Inside Training Camp live. Usually, I give a handshake when a guy leaves," said Garafolo. "But I tried to shake your hand on the way up, you said, ‘No, no, no, no. I got a little — I jammed my finger today. Jammed my finger."
Garafolo also added "Alright, edit that part out. Strike that, it didn’t happen. I’ll give him a left-handed fist bump. I ain’t getting anything now.”
Interesting.
A 2nd reporter with a recurring stance on Deebo
Marcas Grant, a fantasy analyst with the NFL.com, took to the media his own meeting with the polarizing wideout. He did not deny Samuel's talent being present, but it was his attitude and longstanding questions about his health and condition that painted the picture of the Commanders' newest pass catcher.
"Smokescreen might not be the best description of my reaction here," Grant wrote about Samuel and Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels (h/t Sports Illustrated). "I have no doubt Daniels and Samuel are getting more acquainted with one another on the field, especially with Terry McLaurin on the PUP list after requesting a trade. What I'm more skeptical of is how much it will translate to fantasy football."
San Francisco has clearly moved on from Deebo. He is with his new team, and the 49ers have since signed Demarcus Robinson, who will join the team after Week 3.
As for Samuel, it doesn't seem as if the reputation he had late in his time in the Bay Area stayed put.
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