RESOLVING THE LEDGER
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0 Share Newsweek is a Trust Project member See more of our trusted coverage when you search. Prefer Newsweek on Google to see more of our trusted coverage when you search. It's a full-circle moment for one of the most electric players of the Kyle Shanahan era. Free agent wide receiver Deebo Samuel is signing back with the San Francisco 49ers , returning to where it all began on a one-year deal worth up to $7 million.
The 49ers originally drafted Samuel in the second round (36th overall) of the 2019 NFL Draft, and with Shanahan maximizing his uniquely versatile skill set — lining him up all over the field — he quickly became a fan favorite.
He earned a three-year, $71.55 million extension in 2022 after a breakout 2021 season in which he racked up 1,405 receiving yards and 365 rushing yards, totaling 1,770 scrimmage yards and 14 touchdowns, helping lead San Francisco to the NFC Championship Game.
Over his six years with the 49ers, he produced 4,792 receiving yards, 1,143 rushing yards, and 42 total touchdowns, averaging 14.3 yards per reception and 5.7 yards per carry.
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San Francisco traded Samuel to the Washington Commanders in March of last year after a down 2024 season, in which he finished with just 670 receiving yards and three receiving touchdowns on 51 catches, along with 136 rushing yards. Those were all career lows, aside from his 2020 season, in which he appeared in just seven games.
But he actually enjoyed a bit of a bounce-back in Washington last year, leading all Commanders receivers in yards (727), touchdowns (five), and receptions (72) — and that was with Jayden Daniels playing less than half the season.
Yet, even with his solid 2025 season, Washington decided not to re-sign him, and he's been one of the most talked-about free agents all offseason.
After months of speculation about which team would land him next, it's only fitting he's heading back to where it all started.
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The timing couldn't be better for the 49ers, either. Recent reports indicate that Ricky Pearsall, who was expected to take a step forward this season, could miss the entire year due to an ongoing PCL injury.
Adding Samuel to a room that already features Mike Evans, Christian Kirk, and second-round rookie De'Zhaun Stribling gives San Francisco one of the NFC's most intriguing receiving corps.
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