The San Francisco 49ers find themselves in need of bolstering their wide receiver corps, and with Deebo Samuel about to hit free agency, a reunion could be on the horizon.
There's already buzz surrounding the possibility, with key figures like tight end George Kittle and running back Christian McCaffrey expressing interest in seeing Deebo back in the Bay Area. Now, even outside voices are chiming in on the potential move.
NFL analyst Gregg Rosenthal recently weighed in, suggesting, "I can absolutely see Deebo Samuel coming back to the 49ers on a two-year, $12 million dollar contract because he doesn’t have a market elsewhere."
At that price point, the Niners might find it worthwhile to bring Samuel back into the mix. While he may not be the dynamic, multi-threat player he once was, his 2025 season with the Washington Commanders showed he still has some fuel left. With 72 receptions for 727 yards and five touchdowns, Samuel's numbers may not match his peak performances with San Francisco, but they are solid for a third option on the depth chart.
For this reunion to happen, a few factors need to align. Samuel's market would have to be as quiet as Rosenthal predicts.
If a team sees him as a potential WR2, he might explore that opportunity. However, it's tough to envision many teams viewing him in that role.
Teams like the Los Angeles Chargers, under the new guidance of offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel, might take a chance on Samuel. With numerous Kyle Shanahan protégés across the league, it only takes one to open the door for him.
Yet, it's easy to imagine Samuel, along with other veteran receivers like Mike Evans and Tyreek Hill, lingering in free agency, much like Amari Cooper and Keenan Allen did last offseason.
Should that scenario unfold, the Niners might consider signing Samuel if their primary targets don't pan out or if they end up with a youthful receiver group post-draft. Having a seasoned player like Samuel could provide valuable depth and mentorship.
While some fans might be skeptical of a reunion, there's a certain sense of nostalgia in bringing Deebo back, even if he's not the explosive player he once was. If interest from other teams remains lukewarm, returning to San Francisco might just be his best option.