News broke on Thursday evening that the San Francisco 49ers reunited with star wide receiver Deebo Samuel one a one-year, $7 million contract.
While Samuel had only been away from San Francisco for a season, when he spent the 2025 campaign with the Washington Commanders, the 49ers’ wide receiver room looks a lot different than it did when he was last there.
Deebo Samuel speaks to the media after a San Francisco 49ers game. AP
This is because the 49ers signed Mike Evans signed a three-year, $60.4 million deal earlier in the offseason, ending his 12-year tenure with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Evans clearly approves of this Samuel signing, which he conveyed when speaking to the media on Friday.
“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 said.
“Deebo is my guy… I love the way he plays the game. I think he’s gonna bring what he brought before to the team. Energy. Versatility. Hell of a pickup for us.”
Mike Evans on Deebo Samuel returning to the 49ers 💯 pic.twitter.com/HF9RR2MU4f
— 95.7 The Game (@957thegame) July 31, 2026
“Hell of a pickup for us,” Evans added.
There should be plenty of passes to go around for both Evans and Samuel. Recent reports suggest that third-year wideout Ricky Pearsall might require surgery, which would take him out for the season.
Thankfully, there is no reason for hostility between the two remaining star wideouts
Mike Evans speaks to the media after a San Francisco 49ers practice. AP Photo/Jeff Chiu
It’s cool to hear that Evans and Samuel already have a solid relationship with each other, which should continue to build as San Francisco’s training camp gets underway.
The 49ers will need a big year from both veteran wideouts. George Kittle is still rehabbing from a torn Achilles, but is hopeful for Week 1. Both Ricky Pearsall and Christian Kirk are both dealing with preseason injuries, plus whatever is going on with Brandon Aiyuk.
Time will tell which is these wideouts will become Brock Purdy’s preferred target once the 2026 season begins.