Deebo Samuel describes ‘weird’ feeling not having Brandon Aiyuk on the field

Aug 8, 2024, 6:00 AM

PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - DECEMBER 3: Deebo Samuel #19 of the San Francisco 49ers celebrates with Brandon Aiyuk #11 after scoring a touchdown against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field on December 3, 2023 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)

(Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)

BY AMILIANO FRAGOSO

San Francisco 49ers Beat Writer

A lot can change in quick succession. The Brandon Aiyuk situation is a prime example of that, leaving his current teammates (especially Deebo Samuel) feeling a bit off with the 2024 season looming.

The San Francisco 49ers and their disgruntled wide receiver appear headed for a break-up in the near future. Both SF and Aiyuk’s team have explored other options, with one in the AFC North seemingly the frontrunner should a trade be agreed upon.

In the meantime, Aiyuk remains in Santa Clara, holding in by attending and participating in everything that isn’t on-field work. But while he stays inside, the 49ers are getting ready for the regular season on the practice field. That includes Deebo Samuel, having a monster 2024 Training Camp ahead of his sixth NFL season.

Despite the success of coach Kyle Shanahan’s offense, it doesn’t feel the same without his star route runner in the fold. And Samuel feels that the most.

“You know, it’s kind of weird, for sure,” Samuel admitted to the media Wednesday. “I remember last year we played the [New York] Giants. I had went to him, I was like, ‘Bro, I never knew how weird it was for you not to be on the field at the same time [as me].’ And, you know, the times that I was out [injured] and he was out there by himself, and he was just like, ‘I kind of see what you feel like.'”

“…Kind of feels awkward [not being] with somebody out there for four straight years or whatever. But, you know, business is business and we’ll see how it goes.”

Deebo on the “weird” feeling of not having Brandon Aiyuk on the field with him 😭 pic.twitter.com/wKbbiB5HL8

— 49ers on NBCS (@NBCS49ers) August 7, 2024

That game Samuel is referring to was Week 3 against the New York Giants last season; Aiyuk’s only absence of the year due to a soft-tissue injury. The former dominated, hauling in six catches for 129 receiving yards and a touchdown. SF would go to win the contest, 30-12.

Point being: The 49ers have won games in the past without Aiyuk. And Samuel really didn’t miss a step in the process.

Even still, the aura around the 49ers’ receiving corp lacks that 1A-1B punch that fans have grown accustom to seeing. But until pen hits paper on a resolution for Aiyuk (one way or another), he remains a 49er. Much to the delight of Deebo Samuel.

“I still talk to him every day. He’s in meetings. We still chop it up, and not even about the things that’s going on, but just like, brother talk, you know,” the 49ers’ wideout explained.

The angst of his comrade’s situation is weighing heavy on him. It was visible in his tone and demeanor Wednesday, as it was at the start of training camp weeks ago.

Samuel understands that this could be the end of their partnership on the 49ers. The end of an era in the middle of their individual primes.

But regardless of what happens, the South Carolina native has love for Aiyuk. While also understanding wholeheartedly, that the NFL is a business after all.

“Regardless of whatever happens, that’s still my guy. Love him to death. He here, he there whatever,” he stated. “But, like I just said, business is business. I’m just going out there, I can only control the things I can control, and so I just go out there and do the best I can at my job.”

Deebo Samuel on the work he’s put in this offseason and his motivation for arriving to camp in such great shape 💪 pic.twitter.com/mJHDkqn8G3

— 49ers on NBCS (@NBCS49ers) August 7, 2024