The San Francisco 49ers have signed Deebo Samuel to a one-year deal worth up to $7 million, reuniting the star wideout with the team that drafted him in 2019.
The 49ers could now start five non-quarterback skill position players age 30 or older in the same game, a feat that puts them in exceedingly rare company. According to the Associated Press' Josh Dubow, only three teams in the Super Bowl era have achieved this: the Buccaneers in 2004, the Broncos in 2003, and Washington in 1992 and 1992 again.
San Francisco's roster was already trending toward being one of the NFL's oldest heading into 2026, and the addition of a 30-year-old Samuel only reinforces that profile. The team already features 32-year-old wideout Mike Evans, who joined the 49ers this offseason.
The signing came together quickly, with Samuel agreeing to the deal on July 30. The move was made a day after Ricky Pearsall sustained a setback with his knee injury, which could keep him out for an extended stretch. The 49ers also had concerns about free-agent addition Christian Kirk, who was banged up.
Samuel spent six seasons in San Francisco before requesting a trade in 2025, when the 49ers sent him to Washington for a fifth-round pick. He produced 72 catches for 727 yards and five touchdowns with the Commanders last season. For his career, Samuel has totaled 406 receptions for 5,519 yards and 27 touchdowns, plus 1,218 rushing yards and 21 scores on the ground, headlined by his All-Pro 2021 campaign.
Now back in Kyle Shanahan's offense, Samuel projects to work alongside Evans and the 49ers' younger receivers, including De'Zhaun Stribling, Jordan Watkins, and Jacob Cowing. San Francisco leans further into experience at the skill positions in 2026, and it will be interesting to see how this new-look offense performs.
The 49ers' decision to sign Samuel to a one-year deal suggests that the team is committed to making a deep playoff run in 2026. With a talented roster and a strong coach in Kyle Shanahan, San Francisco is a contender to watch in the NFC.
Source: Yahoo Sports