Niners Nation
Your daily San Francisco 49ers news for Friday, February 14th, 2025
Insiders: 49ers convinced Deebo Samuel relationship is over, release is likely outcome
“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.
“And 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. This relationship, which was great for Kyle Shanahan and Deebo—I think they’re still close—but I think had been bumpy.”
He 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.”
49ers mailbag: If Deebo Samuel exits, who enters at WR? DT or DE in Round 1? (paywall)
“Without Samuel, the 49ers’ top four receivers are Aiyuk, Jauan Jennings, Ricky Pearsall and Jacob Cowing, with Aiyuk a question mark at the start of the season. The team didn’t give Cowing many offensive snaps last season, but he can do some of the things — screens, end arounds, etc. — that Samuel’s done.
As far as free agency, a lot of big-name players will be available. The 49ers probably would have acquired Amari Cooper last season if Aiyuk had been willing to go to the Cleveland Browns. Two players with Northern California ties — Keenan Allen and Brandin Cooks — also are available. Neither is a long-term solution but could bolster the receiving corps while Aiyuk recovers and Pearsall and Cowings continue to develop.
Finally, there’s the draft. I asked our draft guru, Dane Brugler, whether there are any Deebo-like players this year. His reply: TCU’s Savion Williams, who is 6 feet 4, 225 pounds. Here’s Brugler:
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. 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.”
