Deebo Samuel Reveals Exactly Why He Rejoined the 49ers

Deebo Samuel returns.

Aug 3, 2026; San Francisco, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Deebo Samuel Sr. (19) during training camp at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Sergio Estrada-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

The San Francisco 49ers and Deebo Samuel are back working together after one year away.

Is Samuel's return a surprise? Not really. The 49ers front office signed him as soon as they knew Ricky Pearsall was going to undergo season-ending surgery on his PCL injury.

But both parties agreed to a very favorable one-year contract worth up to $7 million. It's since come to light that a fair whack of that money is incentive-based.

Why Deebo Samuel chose to return to 49ers

Aug 6, 2026; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Deebo Samuel Sr. (19) during training camp at SAP Performance Facility. Mandatory Credit: Sergio Estrada-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Samuel entered free agency after just one year with the Washington Commanders, and there were no reports of him being close to signing with another team.

But given the circumstances surrounding San Francisco right now, a reunion with the 49ers suddenly makes plenty of sense. As always, injuries dominate the headlines.

Samuel admitted that the culture was a key reason for coming back, the same reasoning as Dre Greenlaw.

"This is where I got drafted at, and the culture that John [Lynch] and Kyle [Shanahan] and those guys have built with the players that they have bought in, and the mentality that they have instilled in all the players, it's just a standard," Samuel shared on the NFL Network.

"And you can go back to last year—I was still keeping tabs on the guys. And with all the injuries and this, that, and the third that they was dealt, they still had a great season. And that's just the standard of next-man-up mentality. Everybody practices the same, everybody lives under one standard."

Samuel reacquainted himself with Brock Purdy after the pair previously helped take the 49ers to the NFC Championship Game and Super Bowl in 2022 and 2023. He also explained what he likes most about Purdy's game.

"I think Brock has been the most consistent, persistent, really good in decision-making, not making too many mistakes," Samuel said. "I think that's what he's really, really good at—getting the ball out on time, and giving receivers opportunities to step back to the ball even when you're covered. Let's see [if you can] make this play to build that trust, and also challenging the defense as well."

Samuel's return to the City by the Bay has been welcomed all around by staff and players alike, but it's best to temper expectations based on his first stint. He's older now and likely isn't operating at the same level he was during the prime years of his career.