The 49ers signed WR Deebo Samuel to a one-year deal worth up to $7 million, according to multiple reports. Samuel spent his first six NFL seasons in San Francisco (2019 to 2024) and returns amid injuries to Ricky Pearsall and Christian Kirk.
What They're Saying
49ers reporter David Lombardi pointed out that Samuel might also contribute as a returner. He handled 15 kick returns in 2025 and 17 in his final year with San Francisco.
2026 Fantasy Football Impact
Samuel turned 30 over the winter, but last season showed he can still help fantasy teams. Despite playing only seven games with Jayden Daniels, he missed just one matchup and finished WR33 in fantasy points per game.
His 6.5 yards after catch per reception marked a career low, but he still averaged 1.1 YAC per reception over expected, 14th among 76 WRs with 50+ targets.
Samuel is unlikely to deliver steady WR3 production in San Francisco. But HC Kyle Shanahan knows how to manufacture run-after-catch opportunities for him, and injuries to Ricky Pearsall, Christian Kirk, and George Kittle leave room for an immediate role alongside Mike Evans. We'll see if rookie De'Zhaun Stribling can continue his hot start to training camp.
Deebo’s fantasy football ADP will determine his appeal. As a WR4, though, he’d be a low-risk pick with useful early-season value.
