Who Should I Start? Deebo Samuel or Marvin Harrison Jr.

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.

Sunday, January 5, 11:55 PM

Arizona Cardinals rookie wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. ended the season on a high note, catching a 12-yard touchdown pass from Kyler Murray. Harrison Jr. was active in the 47-24 win over the San Francisco 49ers, catching five passes for 63 yards and one touchdown. Harrison Jr. joined Cardinals legends Anquan Boldin and Larry Fitzgerald in a tie for the most receiving touchdowns by a Cardinals rookie, with eight. Harrison Jr. entered the season with sky-high expectations, leading some to view his year as a disappointment. However, he built momentum with his last two performances of the season and will look to have a breakout year in his second season with the Cardinals.