Could a Deebo Samuel Reunion Actually Happen in San Francisco?

George Kittle knows exactly what he’s doing.

When the 49ers’ All-Pro tight end casually mentioned that San Francisco could “add some past friends” during a Super Bowl weekend interview, it didn’t take long for fans to connect the dots. Especially when Kittle followed it up with: “I hung out with Deebo last night. That was fun. I love Deebo.”

That was all it took.

Suddenly, the idea of Deebo Samuel returning to the 49ers doesn’t feel impossible. Not official. Not imminent. But not crazy, either.

And when Christian McCaffrey added fuel to the fire by saying “Deebo’s one of my favorite guys I’ve ever played with… he would be welcomed back”, the speculation only intensified.

The love is clearly still there. The real question is whether the football fit still is.

The Emotional Case for a Reunion

Few players in recent 49ers history meant more to the franchise’s identity than Deebo Samuel.

His 2021 season remains one of the most unique campaigns by a wide receiver in NFL history. He played through pain. Inside the locker room, he’s beloved. That part isn’t up for debate.

For a team that believes its championship window is open, culture matters. Continuity matters. And bringing back a player who already understands Shanahan’s system could offer instant chemistry.

But nostalgia can’t make roster decisions by itself.

What the Numbers Say

In 2025, Samuel caught a league-high 43 screens and continued to operate as a manufactured-touch weapon. Over 58 percent of his snaps came from the slot, yet he posted just 1.3 yards per route run from that alignment which was a career low.

His average depth of target (6.4 yards) was the lowest it’s been in three seasons. His yards after the catch per reception dropped to 6.6 and he recorded six drops.

Samuel has always thrived as a physical receiver, but that physicality comes with mileage. The 49ers, meanwhile, need a wideout who can consistently separate, win downfield, and create explosive plays outside the structure of the offense.

At this stage of his career, Deebo profiles more as a specialized weapon than a true No. 1.

The Special Teams Factor

One intriguing wrinkle: kickoff returns.

Samuel averaged 30.1 yards per return last season. If the 49ers are looking for a dynamic return presence, he could immediately fill that role while contributing in a rotational offensive capacity.

But how much are you willing to pay for that?

Projections suggest Samuel could command roughly $13 million per year. For a team that has looming extensions and roster priorities, particularly along the offensive line and defense, that’s a significant investment.

San Francisco isn’t short on affection for Deebo but it may be short on cap flexibility.

Does It Actually Make Sense?

There are two separate conversations here.

From a locker room standpoint? Absolutely. The respect is mutual. The relationships are intact. The door isn’t closed.

From a roster-building standpoint? It’s more complicated.

The 49ers need a true wide receiver #1. Samuel still offers versatility, but the version of Deebo who terrified defenses in 2021 may not be walking back through that door. That doesn’t mean a reunion is impossible. It just means it would have to come at the right price. Kittle’s comments might have been playful. McCaffrey’s praise might have simply been genuine admiration. But in the NFL, where there’s smoke, there’s usually at least a conversation happening somewhere.

Would Deebo Samuel be welcomed back to San Francisco?

Without question.

Would it make the 49ers more dangerous in 2026?

That’s the debate.

Could a Deebo Samuel Reunion Actually Happen in San Francisco?

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