Why a 49ers Reunion With This Player Doesn’t Make Sense

Don't bring back this player.

Jul 27, 2022; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan (left) and general manager John Lynch watches the players during Training Camp at the SAP Performance Facility near Levi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Stan Szeto-Imagn Images | Stan Szeto-Imagn Images

The San Francisco 49ers are desperate for a proven wide receiver who can step in and immediately produce big numbers.

This season proved the 49ers are lacking in that department. Christian McCaffrey nearly posted 1,000 receiving yards as a running back, which says all you need to know.

However, rumors have begun to surface about a former Niner set to hit free agency this offseason, with the 49ers potentially eyeing a reunion to address their issues.

But this potential target doesn’t make much sense, and it would be wiser for the 49ers to focus on the present rather than revisit the past.

49ers reportedly exploring a return for Deebo Samuel

Dec 7, 2025; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Washington Commanders wide receiver Deebo Samuel Sr. (1) practices before the game at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images | Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images

The San Francisco 49ers are rumored to be exploring the possibility of a reunion with wide receiver Deebo Samuel.

Sure, rumors aren’t swirling everywhere at the moment. The 49ers’ season ended only a couple of weeks ago, but that doesn’t mean the team won’t consider a reunion in the coming weeks as he enters free agency.

The #49ers are reportely open to a reunion with Deebo Samuel, who is scheduled to be a FREE AGENT #Niners #nfl #nflrumors pic.twitter.com/EkPBPzOa6u

— NFL Rumors (@nflrums) January 22, 2026

The decision to trade Samuel came as a surprise, but not a massive one. He wanted out and a fresh start elsewhere, and fair play to him; that can’t be criticized.

The 49ers honored his request for a trade. While parting with a player of his caliber was costly, it was far better than watching him play the 2025 season without the desire to be part of the team.

One season after Samuel’s departure, he hasn’t performed any better than he did with the 49ers, excluding his standout 2021 campaign.

His reception rate was slightly higher, but he recorded only 727 receiving yards and five touchdowns. While this is higher than all but two of his seasons in red and gold, the numbers still don’t justify the salary the Commanders took on.

Why the 49ers shouldn't bring back Deebo Samuel

Jan 5, 2025; Glendale, Arizona, USA; San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan (left) and wide receiver Deebo Samuel Sr. (right) look on prior to the game against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-Imagn Images | Matt Kartozian-Imagn Images

Sometimes, it's better to leave the past in the past.

But those performances with the Commanders don’t justify his current salary, especially when the numbers don’t match that valuation.

When healthy, Samuel was one of the league’s best receivers, capable of explosive plays, and he truly elevated the 49ers’ offense. But even those performances don’t justify his current salary, particularly when the numbers fail to match that valuation.

It also bears stating the obvious: Samuel is injury-prone and just turned 30 earlier this month. If the 49ers truly want to get younger and cheaper, a reunion would go against everything they are trying to achieve.