San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Deebo Samuel made waves on social media Monday by expressing dissatisfaction with his role in the team’s offense. The star playmaker, known for his versatility and game-changing abilities, took to X (formerly Twitter) to air his frustration, suggesting he hasn’t been utilized enough in recent games.
“Not struggling at all just not getting the ball!” Samuel wrote in a post that was later deleted, fueling speculation about his mindset as the team faces a pivotal stretch of the season.
Addressing the Comments
On Tuesday, Samuel elaborated on his frustrations during a media session, as the 49ers (6–7) prepare for a critical NFC West showdown against the Los Angeles Rams (7–6) on Thursday Night Football.
“I mean, you read what you read,” Samuel said, via Matt Barrows of The Athletic. “[I’m] a little frustrated for sure.”
The wide receiver’s candid remarks come amid a challenging period for both him and the 49ers. San Francisco is fighting to keep its playoff hopes alive, but inconsistencies in the offense have hindered their progress.
A Dip in Production
Through 13 games this season, Samuel has recorded 40 receptions for 553 yards and one touchdown. He’s also contributed on the ground, carrying the ball 32 times for 92 rushing yards and a score. However, the star wideout has struggled to make his usual explosive impact in recent weeks, failing to surpass 22 receiving yards in any of the team’s last four games.
During Sunday’s dominant 38–13 victory over the Chicago Bears, Samuel was limited to just two catches for 22 yards and five carries for 13 yards. The lack of opportunities for one of the team’s most dynamic players raised eyebrows and drew commentary from teammates.
George Kittle Defends Samuel
49ers tight end George Kittle, a key figure in the team’s offense, defended Samuel’s performance and attributed his recent struggles to the Bears’ defensive strategy.
“Unfortunately for a couple of those (plays for Samuel), they had better calls than the play we called,” Kittle explained, via The Athletic. “Some type of pressure or how they switched their defense up. Or we didn’t execute those blocks for him in the ways that we should have. I think Deebo’s very close to breaking them wide open.”
Kittle’s remarks suggest that Samuel’s production issues are less about his performance and more about circumstances beyond his control, such as defensive schemes and missed opportunities by the offense as a whole.
Finding His Groove
Samuel has been a cornerstone of the 49ers’ offense, celebrated for his ability to excel as both a receiver and a rusher.
His breakout 2021 season saw him rack up 1,770 yards from scrimmage and 14 total touchdowns, earning him All-Pro honors. While his production this year has been below expectations, Samuel’s frustration may signal a determination to return to his game-changing ways.
With a crucial matchup against the Rams looming, the 49ers will need to find ways to reignite their offense and capitalize on Samuel’s unique skill set. If the coaching staff can better integrate him into their game plan, it may only be a matter of time before the star wideout delivers another signature performance.
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A Turning Point?
For now, Samuel’s honesty underscores the challenges the 49ers face as they navigate a difficult season. Balancing the needs of their star players while adapting to opposing defenses will be critical if San Francisco hopes to salvage their playoff ambitions.
As the 49ers approach the final stretch of the season, all eyes will be on how the team addresses Samuel’s frustrations—and whether he can reclaim his role as the heartbeat of their offense.
