Deebo Samuel’s Former Teammate Slams Commanders WR’s Critics

Online critics had a good time mocking Deebo Samuel for the way he’s been running for the Washington Commanders this offseason, but a former All-Pro teammate has an answer for the wide receiver’s haters.

Tight end George Kittle, who played alongside Samuel for six seasons with the San Francisco 49ers, came to the wideout’s defense on Thursday, June 12. Samuel went viral for the wrong reasons when some observers ridiculed an apparent lack of speed and conditioning at minicamp.

Among those commenting, MLFootball pointed out “Samuel has gone viral for running like Eddie Lacy. There is no way.”

Soon after, Kittle took to ‘X’ to post a quick response and remind the critics, “It’s called group install when players jog thru plays. Knock it off.”

Replies to a clip of Samuel running a route, posted by Scott Abraham of 7News DC, were less than flattering to the 29-year-old the Commanders traded for this offseason. Other replies included writer John Frascella commenting, “Deebo Samuel… no comment… because I don’t wanna be mean.”

Kittle’s blunt answer to the naysayers is good news for the Commanders. Few players in the league know as much about how Samuel prepares as Kittle.

The latter also knows the difference between the work Samuel is putting in during this time on the NFL calendar, and what the dual-threat playmaker will produce once the games matter.

Deebo Samuel Out to Prove Doubters Wrong

Kittle’s refrain about Samuel only going as fast as he needed to during install is supported by 106.7 The Fan co-host Lynnell Willingham. He told The Team 980 how “If anyone’s played football at the high-school level, at least, you understand when you’re installing stuff, not running at a hundred percent full tempo ’cause you’re learning a play.”

Interestingly, Willingham went on to explain why “there’s this narrative out there that surrounds Deebo, and it’s fair, he’s missed some time over the past couple of years, there was the story in San Francisco last camp that he was out of shape, but I continue to go back to the guy had pneumonia.”

The idea Samuel has to overcome a narrative about his conditioning could be good news for the Commanders. It can provide the motivation a veteran needs to get back to the explosive form that made him an All-Pro in 2021.

That was the year Samuel was fast and durable enough to snatch 77 catches for 1,405 yards with the Niners, while also rushing for 365 yards and eight scores. He hasn’t really come close to emulating those numbers since, with knee, ankle, shoulder and hamstring injuries taking their toll, but Samuel has still shown glimpses of his dynamic, after-catch talents.

Those glimpses helped him finish last season as the only “receiver with 40+ receptions last season to average 8.0+ yards after the catch per reception,” per The 33rd Team.

Numbers like these can make the deal to send a fifth-round pick to the 49ers look like a bargain. If it doesn’t work out that way, the Commanders have already done some smart work to safeguard themselves against a further decline from Samuel.

Commanders Safeguarded Against Deebo Samuel Decline

That work includes general manager Adam Peters using a fourth-round pick in this year’s draft to take Jaylin Lane. The former Virginia tech speedster is considered a potential breakout playmaker thanks to what he does after the catch.

Lane is an open-field weapon, while last year’s third-rounder Luke McCaffrey can also take a step forward. He’s a converted quarterback and younger brother of another ex-teammate from Samuel’s days with the 49ers, dual-threat running back and 2023 NFL Offensive Player of the Year Christian McCaffrey.

Last season proved a tough debut campaign for McCaffrey the younger, but the top-100 pick is doing more to make an impression this offseason.

The Commanders need McCaffrey and Lane to deliver as credible supporting acts for Samuel. This trio can offset concerns about incumbent No. 1 receiver Terry McLaurin, who remains in a standoff with the franchise about his next contract.

Any worries regarding McLaurin will soon be eased if Samuel shows he’s still the player who helped the Niners reach a pair of Super Bowls.