Deebo back to 49ers on 1-year deal, sources say — SkimNews
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- Deebo Samuel agreed to a one-year deal with the 49ers worth up to $7 million, per NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, returning to the team that drafted him in the second round of 2019.
- Ricky Pearsall's PCL swelling in his right knee, which the 49ers called a 'concern' and said might require surgery, was a key driver of the move, compounded by Christian Kirk's strained calf that has kept him out of recent training camp practices.
- Samuel appeared in 16 games for the Washington Commanders last season after being traded for a fifth-round pick in the 2025 offseason, posting 72 catches for 727 yards and five touchdowns plus 17 carries for 75 yards and a score.
- Samuel's 2021 peak season with San Francisco — 1,770 combined rushing and receiving yards with 12 scrimmage touchdowns — earned him Pro Bowl and first-team All-Pro honors and a reputation as the league's premier 'wide back.'
- Samuel brings career totals of 219 carries for 1,218 yards and 21 rushing touchdowns alongside 406 receptions for 5,519 yards and 27 receiving scores, and is expected to work opposite and alongside veteran Mike Evans as the 49ers evaluate young receivers De'Zhaun Stribling, Jordan Watkins, and Jacob Cowing.
Why it matters: San Francisco is spending up to $7 million to patch a suddenly thin receiver room: Pearsall's knee could require surgery, and Kirk's calf has sidelined him. Samuel gives the 49ers a proven versatile playmaker while they sort through their young depth, though his production in Washington (727 receiving yards) was a clear step down from his 2021 peak.
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