[REVISION HISTORY]

Deebo Samuel returns; 49ers adjust roster

Updated 16 times since CLSTR started tracking revisions of this situation.

What changed

2026-08-22 02:00 UTC → 2026-09-11 13:28 UTC · added ~~removed~~

The 49ers re-signed veteran Deebo Samuel on July 29 to a one-year deal worth up to $7 million. The contract includes a $3.27 million guaranteed base, a $490,000 signing bonus, and incentives tied to games played, scrimmage yards, kick-return performance, and a playoff multiplier. Samuel, who previously spent six seasons with San Francisco before a year with the Washington Commanders, returns to provide depth as a receiver, return specialist, and occasional back. The move follows significant roster shifts, including placing rookie wide receiver Ricky Pearsall on season-ending IR due to a posterior cruciate ligament ~~injury. The receiving corps has also dealt with injuries to Christian Kirk, Mike Evans,~~ injury and ~~De’Zhaun Stribling.~~ Christian Kirk being sidelined with a calf injury. To bolster depth, the team evaluated Donovan Peoples-Jones and Kristian Wilkerson, and signed Pro Bowl special-teamer KhaDarel Hodge. Offensive coordinator Klay Kubiak noted that while Samuel is in “great physical shape” and remains “explosive,” he is currently working to catch up on offensive schemes. General manager John Lynch confirmed Samuel has committed to contributing as a kick returner. Head coach Kyle Shanahan addressed previous contract tensions, stating that any past friction has been resolved through direct communication and that the team has “moved past previous negotiating period disputes.” ~~Quarterback Brock Purdy~~ Samuel has ~~expressed excitement regarding the offensive additions, specifically highlighting the veteran presence of Mike Evans.~~ since made an immediate impact in his return. During a ~~scrimmage~~ Week 1 victory against the Los Angeles ~~Chargers, Evans appeared to be moving well despite a reported quad strain earlier~~ Rams in ~~August that led to him being pulled from practice as~~ Melbourne, Australia, Samuel recorded 6 receptions for 48 yards, 12 rushing yards, and 74 kick return yards, including a ~~precaution.~~ touchdown. He also caught a 15-yard touchdown pass from Brock Purdy. With 5,935 scrimmage yards to date, Samuel is nearing the 6,000-yard milestone for the franchise.

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