49ers’ Deebo Samuel thriving in ‘weird’ camp as Brandon Aiyuk sits out
SANTA CLARA — Brandon Aiyuk’s absence remains glaring from 49ers practices. Just ask Deebo Samuel, who is racing through training camp with renewed vigor and the lightest frame of his career.
“It’s kind of weird, for sure,” Samuel said Wednesday. “I remember last year, we were playing the Giants (without an injured Aiyuk), and I went to him to say, ‘Bro, I never knew how weird it was not to be on the field at the same time.’ ”
Will they ever be on the field together again?
Aiyuk remains out of practice and at a stubborn impasse regarding his contract. The 49ers granted him permission to seek a trade, and the franchise would have to approve any deal.
If the Pittsburgh Steelers are Aiyuk’s ideal destination outside of a 49ers’ return, as a league source indicated, it would take a substantial exchange of equity to dispatch their leading receiver over their past two seasons. The Steelers’ roster isn’t exactly overflowing with enticing options, and future draft capital doesn’t benefit the 49ers’ Super Bowl push this season.
“I’ll let you guys speculate on that,” Steelers coach Mike Tomlin told reporters when vaguely asked if he’d like to add a veteran receiver.
ESPN reported Tuesday night that the Steelers had re-engaged on trade talks, and that the New England Patriots excused themselves from consideration while the Cleveland Browns remain interested. Aiyuk’s agent, Ryan Williams, was spotted Wednesday at the Raiders’ camp in Costa Mesa.
“You want resolution for sure, for him and the team,” linebacker Fred Warner said. “But, at the end of the day, nervous energy, there’s none of that going on. We know the situation and we’ll let them handle that from there.”
The 49ers hold Aiyuk’s rights for at least another season. He is slated to play out his rookie contract this year on a $14.1 million fifth-year option.
“It feels awkward, being with somebody out there for four years straight,” Samuel added. “But business is business, and you know how it goes.”
Samuel is two years removed from his own training camp “hold-in,” which ended with a three-year contract but still had him subject to the trade market before April’s draft. “I sat talked to Kyle (Shanahan) and John (Lynch). We put that behind us,” Samuel said. “It’s not a thought in my mind right now.”
But it is on Aiyuk’s mind, even if such business talk doesn’t come up in daily chats with Samuel who charterizes them as “just like brother talk. Regardless of what happens, he’s still my guy. I love him to death, whether he’s here, he’s there, wherever.”
Aiyuk has skipped all 12 practices, and Samuel has only taken one off (last Sunday). Offseason training at locales across the country had Samuel report to camp in the lightest shape of his NFL career. Asked how much he weighs, Samuel playfully snapped: “Enough.” The team lists him at 215 pounds, same as every roster since his 2019 rookie year.
“The first day I saw him when we came back, I almost didn’t recognize him and said, ‘Dude, you’re in great shape,’ ” defensive coordinator Nick Sorensen said.
Added Warner: “You can tell he took this offseason really seriously. This means a lot to him. This obviously has been his best camp, coming in prepared and competing and showing everyone he’s ready to go.”
If Samuel hasn’t been the most targeted receiver, he’s been the most energetic and active. He is entering his sixth season, and it’s been three years since his only All-Pro and Pro Bowl campaign. Speaking of the No. 1, that’s replaced No. 19 on Samuel’s jersey, which makes him look “even slimmer,” Warner quipped. “He’s setting himself up to have an amazing season. I’m excited for him and for us because we need him.”
Whether it’s watching Samuel cut across his defense on a 15-yard crossing route or break free on an end-around run, Sorensen is aware of those dangers, saying: “He’s Deebo. He’s a weapon anyway, but he’s been looking really good.”
One thing else is for sure: Defenses will be looking for Samuel even more if Aiyuk is not teammates with him for the first time since 2019.
WARNER DINGED
Foot irritation kept Warner from practicing for the first time this camp. “Just a little minor something to let it relax today. Nothing major at all,” Warner said.
Filling in at middle linebacker were Curtis Robinson, while Jaylen Graham and Dee Winters also got into the action, along with veteran DeVondre Campbell.
ALUMNI RETURN
Pro Football Hall of Famers Ronnie Lott, Charles Haley and Bryant Young were joined by Brent Jones, Eric Wright, Steve Bono, Anthony Dixon and other alumni in honor of 8/7 Dwight Clark Day. Clark passed away in 2018 after a courageous battle with ALS, a
PRACTICE HIGHLIGHTS
George Odum had two interceptions and continues to impress as a replacement starter until Talanoa Hufanga (knee) is cleared for practice. … Jake Moody was 2-for-3 on field-goal attempts, with one blocked. … Malik Mustapha blitzed and stripped the ball from Josh Dobbs in the backfield. … Ambry Thomas and Renardo Green made multiple pass breakups, following the lead of Charvarius Ward on a Purdy pass intended for Frank Darby. … Nick Bosa and Leonard Floyd repeatedly got pressure off the edge. … Punter Mitch Wishnowsky returned to practice after a three-day absence related to knee irritation.
OWENS WAIVED INJURED
Terique Owens, an undrafted rookie and the son of 49ers Hall of Famer Terrell Owens, was waived injured because of a hand issue. Owens auditioned for the 49ers at their local pro day in April. In other corresponding roster moves, veteran safety Erik Harris was released as the 49ers signed wide receiver Jontre Kirklin and running back Ke’Shawn Vaughn.