Speculation continues to swirl around the possibility of Deebo Samuel returning to the San Francisco 49ers, even as the team has reshaped its wide receiver group this offseason.

The 49ers signed veteran receivers Mike Evans and Christian Kirk in free agency and selected De’Zhaun Stribling in the second round of the 2026 NFL Draft. They also still have third-year player Ricky Pearsall on the roster.

Samuel spent six seasons with San Francisco before departing. In that span, he recorded 334 receptions for 4,792 yards and 42 touchdowns across 81 games.

Last season with the Washington Commanders, Samuel played 713 snaps and earned a 69.4 overall grade from Pro Football Focus. He finished with 72 catches on 99 targets for 727 yards and five touchdowns, averaging 10.1 yards per reception while adding 471 yards after the catch.

The wide receiver remains a free agent. Former 49ers safety Donte Whitner has weighed in on the matter, suggesting a return could make sense under specific conditions.

Whitner shared his thoughts in a July 23 video from the Grit Code Podcast. He noted that Samuel appears to be in strong physical condition after working hard this offseason.

“Deebo has been putting in the work, and from afar, he looks like he’s in the best shape he’s been in since he first arrived with the 49ers,” Whitner said. “At first, I wanted to say, ‘No, don’t bring him back. He thought the grass was greener on the other side, and now he has to face the repercussions of leaving the 49ers organization and wanting to get out the door so quickly.’ “But then I started thinking, ‘What if you brought Deebo Samuel back and used him primarily as a running back? What would that look like for the 49ers?’”

San Francisco already features star running back Christian McCaffrey, who is now in his 30s. The team also drafted Kaelon Black in the third round of the 2026 NFL Draft to help share the workload and keep McCaffrey fresh.

Whitner believes Samuel could serve as a versatile option rather than a traditional backup, creating mismatches when lined up in different spots.

“When you put Deebo Samuel on the field, whether you have 11 personnel, 12 personnel or 21 personnel, defenses have to match that personnel,” Whitner added. “If defenses treat Deebo Samuel like a running back and put heavier players on the field, he instantly creates matchup problems for linebackers and safeties.

“The formation also stops revealing the play. He can line up in the backfield, the slot, or out wide, and guess who’s going to match up with him? A linebacker or a safety. He creates a powerful one-two punch with Christian McCaffrey.

“If you put both of those guys on the field together instead of making Deebo the traditional backup, both players can be on the field at the same time. The defense has to identify who’s the running back and who’s lined up at wide receiver. That creates another competitive advantage.”

Whitner argued that adding Samuel in this role would not necessarily reduce opportunities for the team’s new receivers.

“He doesn’t have to take Mike Evans’ spot, and he doesn’t have to take De’Zhaun Stribling’s spot,” Whitner said. “You can align all of those guys on the field together, and the defense has to match up with an extra defensive back on the field. Competitive advantage, 49ers. Competitive advantage, Deebo Samuel. He still has the speed, he still has the quickness, and you better believe he has that chip on his shoulder. He’s extremely motivated.

“Now you have George Kittle and Deebo Samuel, who bring a physical presence to the offense, and a lot of defenses do not want to face those guys. So I think you give him another chance, but only under one circumstance: Deebo Samuel has to understand his role. He has to know that he’s not the primary option anymore. He’s a utility player. That’s the only way I would bring Deebo Samuel back.”

The idea of deploying Samuel primarily out of the backfield could give the 49ers another dynamic element in their offense. It would force opposing defenses to prepare for multiple personnel packages and alignment possibilities on every snap.

Whitner’s comments have added fuel to ongoing discussions about whether the 49ers might pursue a reunion with the veteran. Samuel’s combination of speed, physicality and versatility remains appealing in the right role.

Team officials have not publicly addressed the possibility of bringing him back. For now, the conversation centers on how such a move might fit with the current roster construction and the need for depth behind McCaffrey.

Samuel’s motivation after a year away from the organization could play a key part if any talks materialize. Whitner stressed that accepting a supporting role would be essential for any potential return to succeed.