Deebo Samuel remains a free agent after his one-year stint with the Washington Commanders. While he is no longer in his All-Pro prime, the wide receiver still put together a respectable 2025 season, finishing with 727 receiving yards and five touchdowns. As he weighs his options, a return to San Francisco could be a possibility.
The 49ers made one of the biggest splashes in free agency by signing Mike Evans from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers to a three-year deal. However, the potential losses of Brandon Aiyuk and Jauan Jennings necessitate further signings to improve depth at the position.
Richard Sherman Discusses Potential Deebo Samuel Reunion With 49ers
In a recent episode of the “Richard Sherman Podcast,” the former cornerback called for a reunion in San Francisco. He noted that Samuel remains a free agent after leaving the Commanders and that reuniting with head coach Kyle Shanahan could benefit both parties.
“San Francisco. It all leads back home for these guys, because that’s where he’s had his greatest success,” Sherman said. “He had an All-Pro season in San Francisco because Kyle uses him in very unique ways that really showcase his abilities and really cool fashions.”
Sherman added that the presence of a veteran like Evans could create more opportunities for Samuel. “And again, with Mike Evans in the fold, he takes so much pressure off anyone else. Maybe it’s not even in the cards or interest of John Lynch for the San Francisco 49ers or anybody, and I’m just throwing stuff against the wall.”
Some of these FREE AGENT moves could make A LOT of sense for The @49ers #49ers #DeeboSamuels #TyreekHill pic.twitter.com/UCQIQqXZMq
— Richard Sherman Podcast (@RShermanPodcast) March 26, 2026
Samuel was a second-round pick in 2019 and played a key role in the 49ers’ Super Bowl runs in 2019 and 2023, even though they lost to the Kansas City Chiefs both times. He peaked in 2021 when Shanahan unlocked his abilities by aligning him in the backfield as a runner. Samuel was a first-team All-Pro that year.
The 49ers traded him to the Commanders for a 2025 fifth-round pick in March 2025. His impact diminished in 2024 as injuries affected San Francisco, and the offense did not perform as planned. His salary was also a factor in general manager John Lynch’s decision to send him to Washington.
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The Commanders did not design running plays for Samuel at the same rate as the 49ers, and he finished the year with 17 carries. He recorded 727 receiving yards and five touchdowns, but Washington decided not to retain him for 2026. He was ranked No. 32 in our PFSN WR Impact Metric.
