The San Francisco 49ers moved swiftly in the free-agent wide receiver market this offseason, securing former Tampa Bay Buccaneers standout Mike Evans with a three-year contract worth $42.4 million. This addition comes at a pivotal moment for the franchise as they brace for significant changes in their receiving corps.
With Brandon Aiyuk potentially departing after a turbulent six-year tenure marked by various challenges, the team is actively seeking reliable contributors who can deliver immediate results on the field.
In the view of CBS Sports analyst Garrett Podell, pursuing a reunion with a proven veteran talent represents a logical step forward. Podell highlights the potential fit for a 29-year-old All-Pro receiver known for historic achievements, including being the first wideout to post 20 touchdown receptions alongside notable rushing scores.
Such a move could inject fresh energy into San Francisco’s offense under head coach Kyle Shanahan.
Podell outlined his reasoning in a recent column, pointing to observable shifts in one key player’s performance.
“Deebo Samuel lost a step in 2025, and he also battled through quarterback instability,” Podell wrote Tuesday. “Samuel averaged a career-low 10.1 yards per reception in 2025, and the two lowest receiving yards per game totals of his seven-year career came in 2024 (44.7) and 2025 (45.4).”
The analyst continued to assess the broader picture of diminished explosiveness.
“Samuel isn’t the same bulldozing Swiss Army knife that once served as the focal point of Kyle Shanahan’s San Francisco 49ers offense.”
Despite these observations, Podell acknowledged remaining strengths in the player’s game.
“He can still knock would-be tacklers over in the open field after the catch, as evidenced by his playmaking against the Dallas Cowboys on Christmas, but his separation in his route running is slipping. Samuel still has value in 2026, but it’s not what it once was in his prime. It would make all the sense in the world for Samuel to come back home to San Francisco.”
Early in his professional journey, Samuel brought undeniable dynamism to the 49ers after being selected in the second round. The South Carolina alumnus thrived as a multifaceted threat, blending speed with versatility in jet sweeps and other creative schemes.
During his standout 2021-22 campaign, he hauled in 77 passes for 1,405 receiving yards, added 365 yards on the ground, and reached the end zone 14 times in total, cementing that period as the pinnacle of his career so far.
Subsequent seasons have told a different story, however, as injuries, scheme adjustments, and other factors have altered his overall production. This evolution ultimately prompted the 49ers to deal Samuel to the Washington Commanders in exchange for a fifth-round draft selection ahead of the previous campaign. The transaction reflected a mutual desire for new opportunities amid changing roster needs.
A potential homecoming for Samuel could serve multiple purposes for both sides. Returning to familiar surroundings and a coaching staff that once maximized his unique skill set might unlock the explosive plays that defined his earlier contributions. In an offense that values motion, mismatch creation, and physicality after the catch, his presence could complement the newly signed Evans and help stabilize the group amid Aiyuk’s uncertain future.
From a strategic standpoint, re-signing Samuel on a team-friendly deal would allow the 49ers to retain institutional knowledge without committing massive resources. His ability to line up in multiple spots and create headaches for defenses remains a valuable asset, even if he no longer operates at peak form. This approach would also send a message about valuing past success while building for sustained contention in a competitive NFC West.
Looking ahead, the 2026 season presents an intriguing opportunity for revival. If Samuel can recapture even a portion of his earlier magic alongside Evans and other weapons, the 49ers’ attack could regain the balance and unpredictability that once made it among the league’s most difficult to prepare for.
Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see whether this potential reunion materializes into a meaningful chapter for one of the franchise’s more memorable recent talents.
