Deebo Samuel Rejoins 49ers on One-Year Deal Amid Receiver Injuries

The San Francisco 49ers announced on Friday that they have reached a one-year agreement with former team member Deebo Samuel, who is expected to return to his usual Z-receiver role. Samuel’s agent, Tory Dandy, said the contract could be worth up to $7 million and that negotiations had been ongoing for about a month.

The signing comes as the 49ers face a shortage at wide receiver after Ricky Pearsall missed Wednesday’s practice because of swelling in his right knee, a recurring injury that previously sidelined him for most of the 2025 season. Christian Kirk, who joined the team as a free agent in March, also missed the first practice due to a calf injury, and running back Jordan James is dealing with a rib fracture.

Coach Kyle Shanahan has previously indicated a strong working relationship with Samuel, and veteran teammates George Kittle and Kyle Juszczyk publicly expressed support for his return earlier in the summer.

Samuel spent the 2024 season with the Washington Commanders, where he led the team in receptions (72), receiving yards (727) and receiving touchdowns (5). In his earlier tenure with San Francisco, he recorded 77 catches for 1,405 yards and six touchdowns in 2023, earning first-team All-Pro and Pro Bowl honors.

The 49ers also added linebacker Dre Greenlaw after his one-year stint with Denver, further bolstering the roster ahead of the upcoming season.