Deebo Samuel Returns to San Francisco 49ers on One-Year Deal Worth Up to $7 Million

Deebo Samuel is heading back to San Francisco. The 49ers and the veteran wide receiver agreed to a one-year contract worth up to $7 million Thursday night, NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reported. Agent Tory Dandy of Athletes First negotiated the deal. Samuel spent the 2025 season with the Washington Commanders before becoming a free agent this offseason.
The “up to” language matters here. The contract is incentive-laden, meaning Samuel will need to hit specific performance benchmarks to earn the full $7 million.

Why the 49ers Moved

The signing was driven by injuries. Wide receiver Ricky Pearsall is dealing with swelling in the posterior cruciate ligament of his right knee, and the team has expressed concern that he could miss the entire 2026 season. Veteran wideout Christian Kirk has also been absent from recent training camp practices with a strained calf. After working out a group of receivers on Wednesday, San Francisco ultimately turned to a familiar name.
Samuel himself has spoken openly about his relationship with head coach Kyle Shanahan. “The relationship that me and Kyle got is ridiculous,” he said recently. “He coaches me harder than anybody else because at the end of the day, he knows I ain’t no sensitive player.”

What He Brings Back

Samuel, 30, was drafted by the 49ers in the second round of the 2019 NFL Draft and spent six seasons in San Francisco before a trade sent him to Washington ahead of last year. With the Commanders, he caught 72 passes for 727 yards and five touchdowns in 16 games, though his rushing role was limited to just 17 carries for 75 yards.
His career numbers tell a fuller story. Over seven NFL seasons, Samuel has recorded 406 receptions for 5,519 receiving yards and 27 receiving touchdowns, along with 21 rushing touchdowns. He is the only wide receiver in NFL history to reach 20 receiving and 20 rushing touchdowns in a career.
The 49ers have also added Mike Evans and De’Zhaun Stribling to their receiver room this offseason, but Samuel gives them a proven veteran option with institutional knowledge of Shanahan’s offense.
Source: ESPN, Fox Sports, Bleacher Report, Niners Nation, Yardbarker