49ers could become fourth Super Bowl-era team to start five veteran skill players
If a 30-year-old wide receiver starts, the San Francisco 49ers would join a short list of teams that have fielded five non-quarterback skill players aged 30 or older in a single game.
The San Francisco 49ers may set a rare NFL precedent this season. With the addition of veteran wideout Deebo Samuel, the team could start five skill-position players who are 30 years old or older – Mike Evans, Christian McCaffrey, George Kittle, Kyle Juszczyk and the designated “Z” receiver, whether that be Samuel, Christian Kirk or Demarcus Robinson.
According to Associated Press reporter Josh Dubow, only three teams have done so in the Super Bowl era: the 2004 Tampa Bay Buccaneers (one game), the 2003 Denver Broncos (one game) and the 1992 Washington franchise (two games). The 49ers are not planning to use these veterans only sporadically; they are expected to be core contributors throughout the season.
If a 30-plus wide receiver starts, the 49ers would become the fourth team to start five non-quarterback skill players of that age in a single game.
Samuel, who previously played for the Buffalo Bills, brings speed to the roster. In a September kickoff against the Raiders, he recorded a top speed of 19.23 miles per hour, ranking among the fastest 49ers last season. He also posted a 30.1-yard average on 15 kickoff returns, placing him fourth in the league for that metric.
"Deebo can still run," a team source said, noting his ability to contribute both as a receiver and a return specialist.
The move could affect the team's deep-field stretching capability, as the younger receiver Ricky Pearsall, who is 25, would no longer be on the roster.