Deebo Samuel
WR #19 — San Francisco 49ers
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About Deebo Samuel
Deebo Samuel is the only wide receiver in the NFL who gets angry when you call him a wide receiver. He wants to run the ball. He wants to take handoffs, lower his shoulder, and punish linebackers who weigh thirty pounds more than him. San Francisco invented the "wide back" designation specifically for Deebo because no existing position title could contain what he does on a football field. In 2021, he had 1,405 receiving yards AND 365 rushing yards, and the rushing part is what he seemed most proud of.
Deebo hits people. That's the core of his football identity. Most receivers avoid contact. Deebo seeks it out. He catches a five-yard slant and turns it into a twelve-yard gain by running through a safety who thought he had an easy tackle. The stiff arms are legendary. The YAC numbers are obscene. He also had a very public trade request in 2022 that he eventually walked back, which gave the internet enough drama to fuel content for an entire offseason. He plays with a controlled fury that makes you wonder if the football personally offended him before every snap.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'wide back' mean and why is it associated with Deebo Samuel?
Wide back is a hybrid position that the 49ers essentially created for Deebo. He lines up as a wide receiver but also takes designed carries out of the backfield like a running back. Most receivers would refuse this role because it means extra hits. Deebo thrives on it. He ran for 8 touchdowns in 2021 while also being one of the best receivers in the league. The term stuck because no other player in football does what he does.
Last updated: April 2026