Former San Francisco 49ers receiver Deebo Samuel is facing a bit of heat for a recent minicamp video. The receiver is going through minicamp with the Washington Commanders after an offseason trade finally answered the endless drama around the veteran's future. However, 49ers fans are still paying attention to what is happening for the former franchise star. This includes a practice rep where it seems Deebo is jogging and simply going through the motions of the play. Anxious to win the divorce, many fans began to point to this as evidence that the team made the right decision.
Perhaps a better takeaway would have been the fact that it seems Samuel looks a bit larger than his typical playing weight. However, it seems the heat the receiver was getting for running the route is completely unfair. George Kittle jumped into the fray to point out that this is the design of the play. It is all about learning the motions and slowly going through the movements. Kittle jumping in to defend his long time teammate doesn't come as a surprise to San Francisco fans.
George Kittle Jumps in to Defend Former 49ers Teammate
It’s called group install when players jog thru plays. Knock it off
— George Kittle (@gkittle46) June 12, 2025
It is just a small piece of why the veteran is a beloved piece of the organization. Kittle defending Samuel even after the veteran's exit speaks to the chemistry and loyalty between the long time teammates. A big piece of Kittle's defense is to quiet a fan base that is searching for any reason to believe that it won the trade of the star.
Moving on from Samuel was incredibly difficult for a team that has so often relied on the star in the biggest moments. Watching the receiver in another uniform is going to be difficult, especially when it happens to be with a contending team in the same conference.
Still, 49ers fans shouldn't wish the receiver anything but the best after everything he did in San Francisco. Kittle's defense serves as a reminder of this and helps quiet any further shots at a player who is going into a pivotal season after leaving the 49ers in frustration.