Deebo Samuel Signs One-Year Contract to Return to San Francisco 49ers

The San Francisco 49ers are bringing Deebo Samuel back to the organization on a one-year deal worth up to $7 million. The agreement, reported on Thursday, puts the veteran wide receiver right back into the offensive scheme where he spent the first six years of his NFL career.

For head coach Kyle Shanahan, the signing delivers instant familiarity in the receiver room. Samuel joins a revamped group that added Mike Evans and Christian Kirk earlier in the offseason while also drafting rookie De’Zhaun Stribling in the second round.

Ricky Pearsall Knee Injury Forces Front Office to Pivot

The impetus for the reunion stems directly from health concerns at wide receiver. Ricky Pearsall missed practice due to swelling and a flare-up in his right knee, the same knee that cost him more than half of the 2025 season after an injury to his PCL. Alongside Pearsall’s ongoing absence, Christian Kirk is dealing with a calf injury sustained in the team’s first practice, and running back Jordan James is managing a rib fracture.

Before the team finalized the agreement, local analysts and locker-room figures had already pointed toward a reunion. Grant Cohn of 49ers on SI noted during training camp coverage that bringing back a trusted veteran made practical sense given the wideout group’s durability questions.

“Right now they don’t need Deebo Samuel because they have Mike Evans, De’Zhaun Stribling and Ricky Pearsall. But Ricky Pearsall hasn’t had a full offseason in the NFL. He’s in and out constantly. I can’t remember him playing three practices in a row.”

Grant Cohn, 49ers on SI analyst

Teammates also made their preferences known earlier in the summer. After Samuel posted a workout video online, fullback Kyle Juszczyk wrote I have a guest house with your name on it in the comments, while tight end George Kittle added I also have a guest house labeled ‘Deebo’s second home.’

Tracing Samuel’s Path From Washington Back to the Bay

His tenure in San Francisco included a dominant 2021 campaign where he earned first-team All-Pro and Pro Bowl honors, tallying 1,770 yards from scrimmage and 14 total touchdowns—eight rushing and six receiving.

Following the 2024 season, the 49ers traded Samuel to the Washington Commanders in exchange for a fifth-round draft pick. During his lone season in Washington, Samuel led the team in receptions (72), receiving yards (727), and receiving touchdowns (five) while appearing in 16 games. He became a free agent in March before agreeing to terms on Thursday through his agent, Tory Dandy.

Samuel’s return aligns with the homecoming of linebacker Dre Greenlaw, who also spent last season away from the franchise. Both players were cornerstones of the 2019 and 2023 NFC Championship teams that reached the Super Bowl.

Roster Dynamics and Expectations for the Upcoming Season

The roster additions highlight an aging core on offense. Samuel turned 30 in January, joining a veteran group of offensive starters that includes Mike Evans, Christian McCaffrey, George Kittle, Kyle Juszczyk, Trent Williams, and Jake Brendel, all of whom have reached or passed their 30th birthdays.

With quarterback Brock Purdy regaining a familiar target, the coaching staff gains immediate relief in the passing and running games. Whether Samuel slots directly into his customary Z receiver role depends on how quickly the team manages its current injury report as training camp progresses.