The potential impact of Deebo Samuel in the San Francisco 49ers' offense has somewhat flown under the radar as the start of the 2026 NFL season approaches. The truth is, Samuel has quietly put together a solid training camp.
More importantly, unlike most of the other 49ers receivers, he has avoided any injury setbacks throughout camp.
But what version of Deebo Samuel will the 49ers get in 2026? Will it be something closer to the 2021 version, when Samuel took the NFL by storm with 1,770 scrimmage yards and 14 total touchdowns? Or will it be more like the Samuel who recorded just 806 scrimmage yards and four touchdowns in 2024, his final season with San Francisco?
One 49ers insider believes the answer could fall somewhere in the middle.
A fan asked The Athletic's Matt Barrows whether Samuel displayed more speed and burst during training camp than he did during his final season with the team.
"Yes," Barrows responded in a mailbag feature for The Athletic. "Somehow Samuel, one of the most recognizable names in the sport, has flown under the radar this summer. Unlike most of his receiver and running back teammates, he didn't miss any practices after signing with the team. And he's looked good when he's been out there."
That's encouraging news for a revamped 49ers receiving corps that should provide quarterback Brock Purdy with plenty of big-play opportunities in 2026.
Barrows did temper expectations, however. After all, Samuel is now 30 years old, and his physical playing style has undoubtedly taken its toll throughout his career.
"I'm not saying he's back to looking like 2021-season Deebo," Barrows cautioned. "But 2023-season Deebo seems reasonable."
That would still be a significant boost for the 49ers.
In 2023, Samuel recorded 1,117 scrimmage yards and 12 total touchdowns, including 892 receiving yards. The 49ers entered the season expecting to feature Mike Evans and Ricky Pearsall as their primary boundary receivers, but Pearsall's season-ending surgery could give Samuel even more opportunities to make an impact.
Rookie De'Zhaun Stribling is also expected to have a role in the offense after turning heads throughout training camp and the preseason.
Samuel, meanwhile, gives head coach Kyle Shanahan a versatile weapon who can attack opposing defenses in multiple ways. His ability to line up as a receiver, take handoffs out of the backfield, and create plays after the catch could make him valuable in Shanahan's offensive scheme.
"The 49ers also have not been shy about giving him carries and talking about using him as a running back," Barrows added. "So not only is Deebo back — wideback is back."
Mentioned in this article: Mike Evans, Ricky Pearsall, Brock Purdy, Deebo Samuel, De'Zhaun Stribling
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