As NFL training camps have started across the league, all 32 teams are looking to find the best way to give themselves an edge. For the San Francisco 49ers, that means bringing back one of their best wide receivers in Deebo Samuel.Â
Although it wasn't a huge surprise, on Thursday evening, Samuel was returning to the 49ers on a one-year deal. Samuel, who has been in the league since 2019, will reportedly make nearly $ 7 million on the deal, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport.
Reunion: Free agent WR Deebo Samuel is signing back with the #49ers, sources say. The former #Commanders and SF pass-catcher returns where it all began.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) July 31, 2026
1-year, up to $7M in a deal done by Tory Dandy of @AthletesFirst. pic.twitter.com/eGgs4jHdnr
The move makes sense for several reasons. Samuel has spent the majority of his NFL career in San Francisco, as the 49ers drafted him in the second round of the 2019 NFL Draft at No. 36 overall. He spent the first six seasons of his career with San Fran, helping lead the 49ers to a Super Bowl LIV appearance against the Kansas City Chiefs in 2020.Â
Across his six seasons, he accounted for 406 receptions for 5,519 with 27 touchdowns. On the ground, he added 1,143 yards with 20 touchdowns. His best season came in 2021, when he had 77 catches for 1,405 yards with six touchdowns. He led the league with 18.2 yards per reception, and was named a First-Team All-Pro and Pro Bowler. The 49ers fell 20-17 to the Los Angeles Rams in the NFC Championship that year.Â
Although his production never matched that over his next three seasons with the 49ers, he helped lead the 49ers back to the Super Bowl in 2023, losing 25-22 in overtime to the Kansas City Chiefs.Â
After the 2024 season, he was traded to the Washington Commanders, as the team finished 5-12, and star quarterback Jayden Daniels was injured for most of the season.Â
As he returns to San Francisco, he will be reunited with veteran quarterback Brock Purdy. Signing Samuel comes at the perfect time too, as second-year wideout Ricky Pearsall reportedly could potentially undergo season-altering knee surgery. Christian Kirk also has been dealing with a calf strain.Â
Latest injury status of Jacarrius Peak, Dylan Stewart as fall camp looms
Samuel will also play alongside veteran Mike Evans, who signed a one-year deal with the 49ers this offseason, as well as young guys like De'Zhaun Stribling, Jacob Cowing and Jordan Watkins.
The former South Carolina Gamecock spent four seasons in Columbia, playing from 2015-2018. Across his four years, he finished with 148 catches for 2,076 yards with 16 touchdowns, including another 154 rushing yards with seven scores.
He is a native of Inman, S.C., and was a former three-star recruit out of Chapman High School.
Congrats to Samuel on returning to the 49ers, and inking a new contract!Â
ALSO READ: 5 burning questions for South Carolina football as fall camp begins
Add us as a preferred source on Google