San Francisco 49ers put Ricky Pearsall on season‑ending IR, sign Deebo Samuel

General manager John Lynch announced that wide receiver Ricky Pearsall will be placed on season‑ending injured reserve for the 2026 NFL season after a posterior cruciate ligament injury in his right knee requires surgery. Pearsall, the 2024 first‑round pick, has missed most of his first two seasons due to injuries and a shooting incident, and the procedure is expected to keep him out for 6‑12 months.

To replace him, the 49ers signed former All‑Pro Deebo Samuel to a one‑year contract worth up to $7 million. Samuel, who spent the 2025 season with the Washington Commanders, had been in talks with the team for about a month and will return to the Bay Area, providing depth at the wide‑receiver position and special‑teams duties. The moves come as San Francisco also added other free agents and drafted new talent for the upcoming season.