Getty
49ers’ GM John Lynch and head coach Kyle Shanahan gearing up for a pre-Super Bowl practice
After another double-digit win season, the San Francisco 49ers are looking to keep themselves in the Super Bowl conversation in 2026. With the start of the NFL’s free agency period just days away, San Francisco could be ready to be a big spender in free agency, especially with roughly $38 million in cap space.
One player who could be an attractive option for GM John Lynch and head coach Kyle Shanahan could be none other than former 49ers All-Pro wide receiver Deebo Samuel. In fact, Bleacher Report’s Alex Kay is predicting that Samuel will land back in San Francisco this offseason.
Why Deebo Samuel Makes Sense for the San Francisco 49ers
GettyThe 49ers traded Deebo Samuel to the Commanders for a fifth-round pick last offseason.
After being traded from the Bay Area to the nation’s capital last offseason, a return to Northern California makes sense for the former First-Team All-Pro. Here is what Kay wrote about Samuel fitting back in with the Niners:
“Although he’s on the wrong side of 30 years old and coming off back-to-back seasons in which he failed to reach 1,000 all-purpose yards, Samuel still profiles as a high-usage rusher and receiver for a team like San Francisco, a club that needs him far more now than it did when it traded him for a fifth-round pick last March.”
While the former South Carolina star hasn’t played a full season in his career and although he hasn’t produced at a major level the last few seasons, the 49ers could use a little more familiarity on offense. Remember, his best NFL season came in 2021 when he recorded 77 receptions for 1,405 yards and six touchdowns.
Also having a career mark of 5.6 yards per rushing attempt, Samuel could provide more versatility for Shanahan on offense. A one or two-year deal could make the most sense in this situation.
The 49ers Will Need Wide Receiver Help
Getty49ers wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk will likely be joining a new team in 2026.
Part of the reason why the 49ers should be in the wide receiver market this offseason is because they are slated to lose at least one key pass-catcher. That one pass-catcher will likely be Brandon Aiyuk, who Lynch has previously said has played his final snap as a 49er. The two-time 1,000-yard wide receiver did not play in 2025 after an injury-plagued 2024 season.
Not only is Aiyuk likely moving on to a new team, but veteran wide receiver Jauan Jennings is set to become a free agent on March 11th. After setting a career-high in touchown catches last season with nine, the former Tennessee Volunteer has a chance to find good money on the open market.
So, with Aiyuk and possibly Jennings both potentially set to leave the organization, along with All-Pro tight end George Kittle rehabbing from a torn Achilles, this San Francisco offense is going to need all of the pass-catching help it can find both in free agency and through the NFL Draft. The team is set to have six draft picks within the first four rounds of the draft.
Tim Lindsey A Chicago-area native, Tim Lindsey has covered the world of sports through a variety of different lenses. More specifically, he has been an NFL writer for sites such as Sports Illustrated and PFSN. Notable teams like the Green Bay Packers, New York Giants, and Pittsburgh Steelers have been a major point of emphasis for the longtime writer in the past. More about Tim Lindsey
More Heavy on 49ers
Loading more stories