Wide receiver Deebo Samuel is set to rejoin the San Francisco 49ers on a one-year contract worth $7 million. The move comes after Samuel spent the previous season with the Washington Commanders.
Samuel posted an image on his Instagram story showing him inside an airplane on Friday morning, a post that appears to signal his imminent arrival at the 49ers' practice facility in Santa Clara, California.
During his first tenure with the 49ers, from 2019 to 2024, Samuel was utilized as a versatile player, lining up at both wide receiver and running back. He recorded 334 receptions for 4,792 yards and 22 touchdowns. His 2021 season was particularly notable, earning him All-Pro honors with 1,405 receiving yards, 77 receptions, and 6 touchdowns, in addition to 365 rushing yards and 8 touchdowns on 59 carries.
The 49ers and Samuel reached two Super Bowls together during his initial stint, the 2019-2020 and 2023-2024 seasons, both resulting in losses to the Kansas City Chiefs.
Samuel's return occurs as the 49ers face potential absences at the wide receiver position. Third-year player Ricky Pearsall is expected to miss time due to a PCL injury sustained last season, potentially requiring season-ending surgery. Christian Kirk, signed as a free agent for depth, also exited practice with a calf strain.
Last season with the Commanders, Samuel played in 16 games, accumulating 727 receiving yards and 5 touchdowns. He played without quarterback Jayden Daniels for significant portions of the season due to Daniels' injuries.