Samuel enjoyed the best seasons of his NFL career under head coach Kyle Shanahan, totaling 1,770 scrimmage yards and 14 touchdowns in 2021, followed by 1,117 scrimmage yards and 12 touchdowns in 2023.
Since then, however, his production has declined. Samuel has finished with just over 800 scrimmage yards in each of the past two seasons, including his 2025 campaign with the Washington Commanders after requesting a trade from the 49ers.
Meanwhile, San Francisco has reshaped its receiving corps this offseason, signing veterans Mike Evans and Christian Kirk while drafting De'Zhaun Stribling. The 49ers also expect continued development from third-year receiver Ricky Pearsall, while Jacob Cowing and Jordan Watkins are competing for larger roles.
NFL analyst Emmanuel Acho believes bringing Samuel back could hinder the development of the team's younger receivers.
"Now your roster is out of whack and imbalanced," Acho said, via Eduardo Razo of Heavy. "I'm also not going to stunt the growth of first-round pick, third-year player Ricky Pearsall for Deebo Samuel. Is Deebo talented? Duh. But he's probably had more 700-yard seasons than 1,000-yard seasons. So at what cost? At what cost?"
Acho also questioned whether Samuel is still the explosive playmaker he once was, pointing to the veteran's declining production over the past several seasons.
"Deebo had 700 receiving yards last year," Acho added. "He had 670 the year before, and 890 the year before that. At the end of the day, Deebo has had one 1,000-yard receiving season. One. Just one.
"And y'all are telling me we should make Ricky Pearsall, who we drafted in the first round, the No. 3 wide receiver? No, I don't want to do that. Can Deebo ball? Duh. We know Deebo can ball. But, 1,400 yards, 890 yards, 600 yards, 700 yards… what direction is he going in? Y'all tell me."
While Samuel's familiarity with Shanahan's offense makes the idea intriguing, the 49ers must weigh the long-term costs against any potential short-term boost.
Nobody's perfect. Did you find a mistake in this article? Report it.
More San Francisco 49ers News
-
Schefter: 49ers and Deebo Samuel had been in talks for weeks before reunion
The San Francisco 49ers are bringing wide receiver Deebo Samuel back to the Bay Area, and according to ESPN insider Adam Schefter, a potential reunion had been in the works for weeks. Samuel requested a trade last offseason, leading to a one-year stint with the Washington... -
49ers urged to reunite with Deebo Samuel after Ricky Pearsall injury concern
The San Francisco 49ers are counting on third-year wide receiver Ricky Pearsall to start opposite veteran Mike Evans this season. However, those plans could be in jeopardy as Pearsall continues dealing with the lingering effects of last year's PCL injury. One former NFL wide... -
49ers reunite with Deebo Samuel on a one-year deal
The San Francisco 49ers are reuniting with wide receiver Deebo Samuel, signing the veteran playmaker to a one-year, $7 million contract. Reunion: Free agent WR Deebo Samuel is signing back with the #49ers, sources say. The former #Commanders and SF pass-catcher returns where... -
49ers stars expect to get the best version of Deebo Samuel in 2026
The San Francisco 49ers are clearly excited about getting the band back together for the 2026 season. Earlier this offseason, the team reunited with linebacker Dre Greenlaw after his one-year stint with the Denver Broncos. On Thursday night, reports surfaced that the 49ers are...