logo
49ers Star Comes to Defense of Commander WR Amid Online Criticism

49ers Star Comes to Defense of Commander WR Amid Online Criticism

Newsweek10-07-2025
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources.
During the offseason, the Washington Commanders made a big splash by trading for wide receiver Deebo Samuel. This move was initially met with hype, as the Pro-Bowler is forming a high-level WR duo with Terry McLaurin and joining forces with quarterback Jayden Daniels. However, critics have tried to dampen things after certain footage surfaced online.
In the midst of minicamp, a clip went viral online of Samuel running passing routes. Many called him out for the speed he was moving around at, with others calling him out for not being in shape. As this discourse continues, one of Samuel's former teammates spoke up and came to his defense.
Earlier this week, San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy was a guest on the Bussin' With the Boys podcast. He covered an array of topics, including one of his top offensive weapons being traded in the offseason. Purdy even touched on what people have been saying about Samuel online, saying that such a narrative shouldn't be bought into.
SANTA CLARA, CALIFORNIA - DECEMBER 8: Wide receiver Deebo Samuel Sr. #1 of the San Francisco 49ers stands on the field during the second half of an NFL football game against the Chicago Bears, at...
SANTA CLARA, CALIFORNIA - DECEMBER 8: Wide receiver Deebo Samuel Sr. #1 of the San Francisco 49ers stands on the field during the second half of an NFL football game against the Chicago Bears, at Levi's Stadium on December 8, 2024 in Santa Clara, California. Deebo Samuel speaks on the De'Vondre Campbell incident on the latest episode of his Bleacher Report podcast, Cleats and Convos. MoreAlso read: 49ers QB Brock Purdy Devastated by Deebo Samuel Trade to Commanders
"People, they see things online, because the media can come out and videotape anything. You could be in a walkthrough, going half-speed and all that, and they blow it out of proportion," Purdy said. "I know when the season comes rolling around, too, Deebo is going to have a chip on his shoulder this year for sure, and he's going to be just fine."
Based on how Purdy talked about Samuel in his appearance, it's clear the two built a strong connection during their time together with the 49ers. Though the wideout's numbers slowly decreased over the years, his quarterback is still a strong supporter of his abilities on the field. Unfortunately for Purdy, he now has to continue his career without one of his strongest connections.
Also read: Commanders Wideout Spotted With Viral Trainer Amid Online Criticism
Samuel has had to deal with countless jokes and comments being made at his expense, but he'll soon have an opportunity to lay this discourse to rest. If he can put together a strong showing in his first training camp with the Commanders, it should quickly quiet his critics.
Heading into his first year with Washington, Samuel has a chance to help get the young up-and-coming team over the hump. Depending on how things unfold regarding McLaurin and his contract holdout, he could also be a prominent component of the offense to open the 2025 campaign.
Between a down year in 2024 and all the criticism about him online, Samuel has all the motivation he needs to hit the ground running with the Commanders.
For more Washington Commanders and NFL news, head over to Newsweek Sports.
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Jake Ferguson signs four-year extension with Cowboys
Jake Ferguson signs four-year extension with Cowboys

Yahoo

time24 minutes ago

  • Yahoo

Jake Ferguson signs four-year extension with Cowboys

Micah Parsons is still waiting for a new contract in Dallas, but one of his teammates landed an extension on Sunday. The Cowboys announced that they have signed tight end Jake Ferguson to a four-year extension. It's a $52 million deal with $30 million in guaranteed money. Ferguson was in the final year of the rookie deal he signed after being drafted in the fourth round in 2022. The move clears $1.8 million in salary cap space for the Cowboys in 2025. Ferguson missed three games last season and posted 59 catches for 494 yards. He was healthy for the entire 2023 campaign and caught 71 passes for 761 yards and five touchdowns.

New York Giants training camp: Top 5 plays from Week 1
New York Giants training camp: Top 5 plays from Week 1

Yahoo

time24 minutes ago

  • Yahoo

New York Giants training camp: Top 5 plays from Week 1

The New York Giants wrapped up their first week of training camp on Sunday under overcast East Rutherford skies and with their shells on. There were many highs and lows throughout the week, but more reasons for optimism than pessimism. The offense looks like an entirely different unit than a year ago, while the defensive front seven flashed utter dominance. There were also more than a handful of highlight plays on all sides of the ball, breathing life and excitement into the fan base. Here's a look at the top five plays of the week. 5. The catch that wasn't On the very last play of Sunday's wrap-up practice, rookie running back Cam Skattebo flashed brilliant hands and concentration, hauling in a deflected pass while tapping his toes on the ground. Unfortunately for Skattebo, he was out of bounds by an inch... But it shouldn't take away from the highlight catch. 4. Jones pick-6 Rookie quarterback Jaxson Dart was introduced to fine-line football in his first training camp practice as a pro. During red zone drills, Dart attempted to fire a tight ball into tight end Greg Dulcich, who was undercut by cornerback Nic Jones. From there, it was off to the races for a pick-6. 3. Wan'Dale stunner Quarterback Russell Wilson, unlike Daniel Jones before him, isn't afraid to throw the ball downfield, where wide receiver Wan'Dale Robinson flashed this week. One of those plays included a beautiful fade, where Robinson made a sliding one-handed touchdown grab in front of cornerback Dru Phillips. 2. Carter destroys JMS Rookie edge rusher Abdul Carter is a freak of nature and established himself as a human highlight reel in Week 1 of training camp. He showed out every single day and made multiple "wow" plays in each practice. Arguably, the most unbelievable came when he lined up off the ball inside and completely destroyed center John Michael Schmitz. 1. Darius slays Veteran wide receiver Darius Slayton electrified Sunday's crowd early in practice, hauling in a dazzling one-handed catch along the sideline. Not only was he able to secure the ball, but he got both feet in bounds for the big gain off the arm of Russell Wilson. This article originally appeared on Giants Wire: Giants training camp: Top 5 plays from Week 1

Cowboys sign tight end Jake Ferguson to a 4-year, $52 million extension
Cowboys sign tight end Jake Ferguson to a 4-year, $52 million extension

Yahoo

time24 minutes ago

  • Yahoo

Cowboys sign tight end Jake Ferguson to a 4-year, $52 million extension

OXNARD, Calif. (AP) — The Dallas Cowboys signed tight end Jake Ferguson to a four-year, $52 million extension Sunday. The deal includes a $12 million signing bonus. A fourth-round pick in 2022, Ferguson is entering the final year of his rookie deal. He had 59 catches for 494 yards but did not have a touchdown reception last season. The previous year, he posted career highs with 71 catches for 761 yards and five TDs. Ferguson dealt with knee and concussion issues last year but still started 14 games. This deal comes as two-time All-Pro defensive end Micah Parsons remains in negotiations for his own extension, entering the final season of his rookie deal. Parsons said recently he had not seen much progress in those talks. ___ AP NFL: The Associated Press

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store