Free-agent wide receiver Deebo Samuel is heading back to the San Francisco 49ers on a one-year deal worth up to $7 million, sources told NFL Network's Ian Rapoport.
Samuel spent the 2025 campaign with the Washington Commanders after the 49ers traded him away last offseason to clear salary, netting San Francisco just a fifth-round pick in the deal.
In Washington, Samuel posted 727 receiving yards and five touchdowns while also running for 75 yards and a touchdown.
San Francisco will welcome Samuel back with their wide receiver group in flux. Former leading receiver Brandon Aiyuk is still absent from the team as he attempts to get out of his contract, and former first-round pick Ricky Pearsall is sidelined by a knee injury that could lead to surgery.
Veteran newcomers Mike Evans and Christian Kirk, along with rookie De'Zhaun Stribling, are atop the pecking order to start training camp. Kirk is also battling an injury, as he hurt his calf at the beginning of camp.
Samuel previously starred in San Francisco, helping the club reach the Super Bowl in the 2019 and 2023 seasons. He had his most productive campaign in 2021, when he registered over 1,700 yards and 14 touchdowns as both a receiver and a rusher. However, his numbers tailed off after that, and 2021 remains his only 1,000-yard receiving season.
