27 July 2023 , 02:03
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San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan may have only just met up with his players after time off between NFL seasons, but he's seen a lot of wide receiver Deebo Samuel.
The receiver who is often dubbed as a 'wide back' due to his ability to run the football was unhappy with his performances in the 2022 season, even though the 49ers made it to the NFC Championship game. The addition of Christian McCaffrey gave the 49ers a more natural running back, and his arrival came at a time where Samuel picked up a minor injury.
Samuel enjoyed a stunning 2021 season, scoring six receiving touchdowns and rushing into the endzone an extra eight times as he was one of the most versatile offensive players in the league that year. His numbers rapidly declined in the 2022 season, scoring for a combined five touchdowns in 13 games.
The 27-year-old has been working hard to get back to his former self, and a lot of that work has been done in the gym during his time off. But he's been keen to show Shanahan his progress, as the head coach revealed he hasn't stopped sending him topless photos.
There are a lot of egos in the NFL, but Samuel was very honest about his drop off in form after last season. However, Shanahan thought he was a bit too hard on himself, despite also admitting that there was some truth to his theory.
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"I don’t think Deebo had to be that harsh on himself to you guys, but it was cool to watch," Shanahan said, per NBC Sports. "Deebo is one of the best players in this league and anytime he doesn’t play like one of the best players in this league, everyone’s going to be disappointed, including himself."
But that frustration has brought out a determined Samuel this offseason, and Shanahan revealed his progress has been shared with a series of topless pictures. "That’s what’s been real cool with him in these 40 days away," Shanahan told the media.
Samuel has been working hard to stay in shape for a comeback year (PSD Underwear)"Just seeing him yesterday for the first time. Never had a grown man send me so many pictures with his shirt off, but it looks good. I can tell he put the work in, so I know you guys heard him that day.
"That’s the last time I really heard him, but I see better than I hear. Deebo is in a really good spot, and I’m really excited for Deebo this year."
The 49ers made it all the way to the NFC Championship game despite injuries to Trey Lance and Jimmy Garoppolo forcing rookie quarterback Brock Purdy into the starting line-up. Purdy was one of the success stories of the season after being the very last pick of the 2022 NFL Draft, and if Samuel and McCaffrey are firing then it could be an even better year for the 49ers.