Who Should I Start? Deebo Samuel or J.K. Dobbins

Wednesday, January 8, 3:30 PM

San Francisco 49ers general manager John Lynch said on Wednesday that the plan is to bring wide receiver Deebo Samuel Sr. back for the 2025 season. After signing receiver Brandon Aiyuk (knee) to a hefty extension before the start of the 2024 season, it was assumed that the Niners would likely move on from Samuel heading into 2025 given his significant salary-cap hit. In addition to the decision regarding the future of Samuel, who missed the Week 18 regular-season finale due to rib and wrist injuries, the 49ers will also be navigating a long-term extension for quarterback Brock Purdy. If the Niners change their mind on the 28-year-old Samuel, he could be a trade candidate with one year left on his deal. In 15 games in 2024, he had 51 catches for 670 yards and only three touchdowns despite Aiyuk and running back Christian McCaffrey (knee) missing significant time with injuries.

Saturday, January 11, 11:29 PM

Los Angeles Chargers running back J.K. Dobbins struggled in the Wild Card Round loss to the Houston Texans, along with almost everyone else in a Chargers uniform. Dobbins ran the ball nine times, gaining 26 yards. He was targeted once in the passing game but was unable to come up with the catch. Dobbins was excellent when healthy in his first year as a Charger, but this was a rough game to end the season on. The Texans were in the backfield on almost every play, pressuring quarterback Justin Herbert or stopping the Los Angeles run game. Dobbins was playing on a one-year contract with the Bolts, but he showed more than enough to earn himself another starting job next season if he doesn't stick with the Chargers.