Who Should I Start? Deebo Samuel or Rachaad White

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.

Monday, January 13, 12:57 AM

Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Rachaad White rushed for one yard on one carry during Sunday's playoff loss to the Washington Commanders. He also caught two passes for an additional 14 yards through the air. White's usage as a ball carrier continues to dwindle, and he now has just 10 carries over his last four contests. His passing game usage has been a little more promising he had seven catches in Week 16 and had more receiving yards than Bucky Irving this past Sunday but it's still not enough to put him back on the fantasy radar in most leagues. White's fall from fantasy stardom has been nearly unprecedented, and his role will likely remain the same as Irving leads the backfield in 2025. As a result, White will rank as a high-end RB4, assuming he remains with Tampa Bay.