49ers bring back Deebo Samuel on one-year deal

The San Francisco 49ers have brought wide receiver Deebo Samuel back to the roster on a one-year contract worth up to $7 million, according to reports that were confirmed on Tuesday. The move returns a familiar playmaker to San Francisco ahead of the upcoming season.

Samuel’s return comes after a short stop with the Washington Commanders. Washington had previously obtained the veteran receiver from the 49ers in a deal that involved a fifth-round draft pick, reports said.

How the return was structured

Reports described the transaction as tied to an adjusted financial arrangement from Samuel’s time in Washington. Under that reworked structure, Samuel accepted a lower $17 million base salary and added $3 million in incentives based on performance, according to the same reports.

The 49ers’ new agreement with Samuel is a separate one-year pact, with the maximum value listed as $7 million. The reports did not detail how the incentives are triggered or how the payments are scheduled.

What the 49ers gain for the season ahead

San Francisco’s signing is expected to steady its wide receiver group entering the new campaign. By re-adding Samuel, the team addresses potential depth questions within its offensive rotation, based on the reporting around the deal.

Samuel also gives the coaching staff a player with a known fit in the system and the ability to line up in multiple roles. The reports framed his return as adding tactical flexibility for the 2025 season.

Samuel’s track record in San Francisco

Samuel was originally selected by the 49ers in the second round of the 2019 NFL Draft. His earlier run in San Francisco included a peak season in 2021, when he was named a first-team All-Pro.

That year, Samuel produced 1,405 receiving yards and added 365 rushing yards, highlighting the dual-threat usage that has been a defining part of his profile. Those numbers were cited in the reporting as context for why the 49ers value his versatility.

Open questions around the deal

While the signing restores a familiar option to the offense, some specifics remain unclear from the available details. Reports did not outline whether additional roster moves are expected, nor did they provide full terms beyond the headline figures.

For now, the immediate outcome is straightforward: Samuel is back with San Francisco on a one-year agreement, giving the 49ers a known contributor as they prepare for the 2025 campaign.