Deebo Samuel has looked noticeably different since joining the San Francisco 49ers for the offseason program this spring, and it’s not just because of his new No. 1 jersey.
The player who was an All-Pro in 2021 and known for being one of the most dangerous playmakers is working hard to return to that level after a drop in performance over the past two seasons.
He came back this year at his lowest weight since entering the NFL and with the determination of someone who has something to prove, rather than someone who is already satisfied.
“The first day I saw him, when he came back, I almost didn’t recognize him,” defensive coordinator Nick Sorensen said Wednesday. “I was like, ‘Dang, dude you’re in really good shape.’ That’s not a knock. He looks great and he’s moving great. He’s Deebo. He’s a weapon anyway but he’s been looking really good.”
A top-level performance from Samuel is even more important for the 49ers this summer because his fellow receiver, Brandon Aiyuk, is not practicing while he waits for either a long-term contract extension or a trade to another team.
Aiyuk, who was a second-team All-Pro in 2023, is on the fifth-year option worth about $14.1 million this season and is hoping to sign a long-term deal.
Ten receivers have already signed contracts worth at least $70 million this offseason, with Justin Jefferson’s four-year, $140 million extension with Minnesota setting the highest standard.
Samuel requested a trade last month, and his representatives have been talking to other teams to find one that Aiyuk would like to join, which is also willing to pay him the amount he wants and provide the 49ers with the compensation needed to trade one of their top offensive players.
“It kind of feels awkward after being with somebody out there for four years straight,” Samuel said about playing without Aiyuk. “But it’s a business. That’s how it goes on the field.”
Samuel is concentrating on his own performance, which has been more like his impressive 2021 season when he gained 1,770 yards and scored 14 touchdowns.
That strong season earned him a three-year, $71.6 million extension the following summer after his own tough contract negotiations, which included a trade request and a brief “hold in.”
However, he hasn’t returned to that 2021 level. He described his 2022 season as “awful” due to distractions from his contract, although he played a bit better in 2023.
In the two seasons combined, Samuel had 1,981 yards from scrimmage and 17 touchdowns, which is only slightly more than his 2021 total.
He is focused on getting into the best shape possible to aim for a Super Bowl title after losing in the title games in 2019 and 2023 to Kansas City and in the NFC title games in 2021-22.
“My motivation was for sure losing two Super Bowls,” he said. “We are always there. In my mind. I’m doing everything possible to be in the best shape and being the best player and being the best version of myself to come back and continue to help this team go on those runs that we know we’re capable of.”
This dedication has been clear since spring when Samuel was one of the few experienced veterans present throughout the offseason program.
He has led the receivers in training camp, missing only one practice so far and performing at a high level each time, catching the attention of his teammates.
