Could Deebo Samuel Reunite with the 49ers? George Kittle Hints at a Possible Homecoming
The San Francisco 49ers may have some familiar faces returning in 2026-and if tight end George Kittle’s recent comments are any indication, one of them could be wide receiver Deebo Samuel.
Speaking to Sports Illustrated last week, Kittle dropped a subtle but intriguing hint that a reunion with Samuel might be on the table.
“One message for Niners fans? Hey, if a rebuild year got us 13 wins and a win in the wild card, that's pretty good,” Kittle said.
“It's only going to get a little better from that and all the boys are coming back again. And, who knows?
We might add some past friends.”
Pressed on who those “past friends” might be, Kittle didn’t hesitate to mention Samuel by name.
“I don't know, I hung out with Deebo last night. That was fun,” he said with a smile.
When asked directly about a potential reunion, Kittle kept it short and sweet: “I love Deebo. That's all.
I love Deebo.”
Now, whether Kittle is teasing something he knows or simply voicing a wish to see his former teammate back in red and gold, that remains unclear. But what is clear is this: the 49ers’ wide receiver room is in flux, and the idea of bringing Samuel back might not be as far-fetched as it sounds.
The 49ers’ WR Depth Chart Is in Transition
Brandon Aiyuk is expected to part ways with the team this offseason, and Jauan Jennings-another key piece in recent years-is a pending free agent with no guarantee of returning. That leaves a noticeable gap in San Francisco’s pass-catching corps heading into 2026.
To complicate things further, Kittle himself is recovering from a torn Achilles, casting some uncertainty over his availability at the start of the season. For a team that’s consistently relied on a strong supporting cast in the passing game, the current outlook raises real questions about where the production will come from.
That’s where Samuel’s name starts to carry a little more weight.
Samuel Still Has Something in the Tank
After being traded to the Washington Commanders in 2025, Samuel was widely seen as a player on the decline. But he proved there’s still juice left in his game, flashing the kind of versatility and toughness that made him a Pro Bowler in San Francisco.
He may not be the same explosive force he was in his prime, but Samuel remains a savvy, physical receiver who can still make plays-especially in a complementary role. And while he just turned 30, his style of play has always been more about grit and yards-after-contact than pure speed, which could help him age a little more gracefully than some of his peers.
Does a Reunion Make Sense?
It’s a fair question. The 49ers have made it clear in recent years that they’re looking to get younger and build for the future. Re-signing a 30-year-old receiver might not fit that mold at first glance.
But context matters. This isn’t about bringing Samuel back to be the WR1.
This would be about adding a proven, reliable weapon to a receiver room that’s about to undergo serious change. Samuel knows the system, has chemistry with the core players, and brings a level of toughness that’s hard to replace.
If the Niners can find their true No. 1 option elsewhere-whether through the draft, free agency, or internal development-Samuel could be the perfect complement. A veteran presence who can still break tackles, move the chains, and bring leadership to a young group.
Final Thoughts
George Kittle’s comments might just be wishful thinking, but they also reflect something deeper: the bond between teammates and the value of continuity in a league where rosters turn over fast. If the 49ers want to stabilize their offense and keep their window open, a Deebo Samuel reunion-on the right terms-might not just be sentimental. It might be smart football.