4 bold predictions for the 49ers for upcoming 2024 NFL season

Bold Prediction No. 3: Deebo Samuel will have a career year

Wide receiver Deebo Samuel had his best season in 2021 when he pulled down 77 catches for 1,405 yards and six touchdowns while adding 59 carries for 365 yards and eight touchdowns. All told, Samuel logged 136 touches for 1,770 yards and 14 touchdowns.

Deebo was recognized for his efforts by being named both a first-team All-Pro and a Pro Bowler, and the production led to a contract extension for Samuel the following offseason.

By that token, this may be the boldest of all the bold predictions, given that the 49ers didn't have Christian McCaffrey in 2021 and newly-extended Brandon Aiyuk was clearly a secondary option for then-quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo.

So this isn't to say that Deebo will eclipse all of his numbers in 2024, but his training camp has suggested a player who is primed for a massive campaign, especially while Aiyuk gets back up to speed and rookie Ricky Pearsall recovers from his gunshot wound.

Look for Deebo to take advantage of the opportunities early in the season and get out to another incredible start (he had 882 receiving yards through eight games in 2021) to jumpstart another huge season.