Deebo Samuel returns to 49ers on up to $7 million deal
Deebo Samuel is returning to the San Francisco 49ers on a one-year deal that could be worth up to $7 million, sources told NFL Network. The reunion comes as San Francisco deals with receiver injuries, bringing the versatile wideout back after one season with the Washington Commanders.
According to ESPN, the agreement was reported Thursday night by NFL Network's Ian Rapoport. For readers following athlete paydays and short-term contracts, the move fits the broader Net Worth & Wealth beat around NFL free-agency money.
Key Takeaways
- Deebo Samuel agreed to a one-year 49ers deal that could be worth up to $7 million.
- San Francisco acted amid concern over Ricky Pearsall's knee and Christian Kirk's calf strain.
- Samuel was traded to Washington in the 2025 offseason for a fifth-round pick.
- He caught 72 passes for 727 yards and five touchdowns with the Commanders last season.
Why is Deebo Samuel back with the 49ers?
The 49ers turned to a familiar face after raising concern about receiver Ricky Pearsall's injured right knee. The team said Wednesday that Pearsall has swelling in the posterior cruciate ligament and that they were exploring all options, including procedures that could sideline him for a long stretch.
Veteran wideout Christian Kirk has also missed recent training camp practices with a strained calf. Those absences prompted San Francisco to work out a trio of receivers Wednesday before ultimately reuniting with Samuel, who began his career in Santa Clara.
How much is Deebo Samuel making on the new deal?
Multiple reports say the one-year contract could be worth up to $7 million. Yahoo Sports and ESPN both cite Rapoport's reporting on that figure, marking a short-term return rather than a multi-year extension.
The deal gives Samuel a defined earning window back with the club that drafted him, while San Francisco adds proven production without committing beyond one season.
What did Deebo Samuel do after leaving San Francisco?
San Francisco originally drafted Samuel in the second round in 2019. He was a staple of the offense for six seasons before the 2025 trade to the Commanders for a fifth-round selection.
In Washington last season, he appeared in 16 games and recorded 72 catches for 727 yards and five touchdowns. He also added 17 carries for 75 yards and another score, showing the dual-threat style that made him valuable in San Francisco.
At his peak in 2021 with the 49ers, Samuel piled up a combined 1,770 rushing and receiving yards with 12 touchdowns from scrimmage. That season earned him Pro Bowl and First Team All-Pro honors as San Francisco reached the NFC Championship Game.
Where does Deebo Samuel fit on the depth chart now?
Back in San Francisco, Samuel should get chances to work opposite and alongside veteran wideout Mike Evans. The club is also sorting through younger options such as De'Zhaun Stribling, Jordan Watkins, and Jacob Cowing while Pearsall's and Kirk's statuses remain unsettled.
For his career, Samuel has 406 receptions for 5,519 yards and 27 scores, plus 219 carries for 1,218 yards and 21 rushing touchdowns. That versatility—he has long described his role as "wide back"—is a big reason the 49ers preferred a reunion over an unproven free-agent flier.