The San Francisco 49ers have re-signed wide receiver Deebo Samuel on a one-year contract worth $7 million, the team announced Thursday evening. Samuel returns to the team after spending the 2025 season with the Washington Commanders.
Fellow 49ers wide receiver Mike Evans, who joined the team earlier in the offseason on a three-year, $60.4 million deal, shared his positive reaction to the signing. Evans, a veteran with 12 seasons previously spent with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, met Samuel at the Pro Bowl in either 2021 or 2022 and has maintained a positive relationship with him.
"Deebo's my guy. I've been knowing Deebo… Met him at the Pro Bowl in 2021, I think 2022, or something like that. We hit it off, man. We were hanging out all week. Really cool guy, I love the way he plays the game. I think he's gonna bring what he [brought] before to the team: That energy, that versatility," Evans told reporters Friday. "Hell of a pickup for us."
The 49ers' wide receiver room has seen significant changes. In addition to Evans' arrival, the team is also navigating potential absences and injuries among its receiving corps. Third-year player Ricky Pearsall may require season-ending surgery, and Christian Kirk is dealing with a preseason injury. George Kittle is rehabbing from a torn Achilles but is reportedly aiming for Week 1. The status of Brandon Aiyuk also remains a point of attention.
With these circumstances, the 49ers will likely rely heavily on the veteran presence and performance of both Evans and Samuel as training camp gets underway and the 2026 season approaches. It remains to be seen who will emerge as quarterback Brock Purdy's preferred target.