Tackle Trent Williams is among the many San Francisco 49ers players excited to have wide receiver Deebo Samuel back on the roster. During Thursday night's broadcast of the preseason game against the Tennessee Titans, the veteran offensive lineman went so far as to say that the 49ers are getting the best version of Samuel yet.
That would be significant considering Samuel's impressive 2021 season, when he recorded 1,770 scrimmage yards and 14 total touchdowns. However, he has been unable to replicate anything close to that level of production in subsequent seasons.
Samuel, a second-round draft pick by the 49ers in 2019, spent last season with the Washington Commanders after requesting a trade from San Francisco. The two sides reunited this offseason after Samuel remained on the free-agent market.
Williams spoke to reporters after Saturday's practice and shared what he has seen from Samuel that leads him to believe the wide receiver might be at his best in 2026.
"Just his attitude," Williams said. "Obviously, everybody notices, as soon as you see him, he's in a different type of shape. Probably the best shape I've seen him in since I've known him. And I know he's coming from a situation where he feels people doubt his ability."
Samuel recorded just 802 scrimmage yards and six total touchdowns with the Commanders last season, leading many to wonder whether the receiver's skills had diminished.
"I think he's a dangerous player without anybody doubting him, so you put that extra doubt on him, that adds extra fuel to his fire," Williams added. "I think he's going to be a lot better."
Samuel joins a wide receiver room that has undergone significant changes this offseason. The 49ers invested in the position by adding Mike Evans and Christian Kirk early in free agency and using their top draft pick on De'Zhaun Stribling.
While the 49ers lost Ricky Pearsall to a PCL injury for the season, this could be the best receiving corps quarterback Brock Purdy has had at his disposal. If that proves to be the case, it will bode well for the 49ers' offense in 2026.
More info on: Mike Evans, Christian Kirk, Ricky Pearsall, Brock Purdy, Deebo Samuel, De'Zhaun Stribling, Trent Williams
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