San Francisco 49ers general manager John Lynch revealed that discussions with Deebo Samuel had been ongoing for nearly a month. The team's original plan was to reunite with the veteran wide receiver, complementing Ricky Pearsall to strengthen the passing attack.
When Pearsall suffered a setback related to the PCL injury he sustained last season—he landed on the injured reserve list on Saturday—the 49ers accelerated their efforts to bring Samuel back, ultimately signing him to a one-year deal.
Matt Maiocco of NBC Sports Bay Area previously reported that Samuel likely had a strong desire to return to the 49ers, even after requesting a trade last year that led to a one-season stint with the Washington Commanders.
"I do think Deebo had an interest in returning to the 49ers and was maybe even a little miffed that the 49ers so quickly signed Mike Evans as a free agent," Maiocco said.
Dre Greenlaw understands why Deebo Samuel wanted to return
Linebacker Dre Greenlaw can relate to Samuel's desire and decision. Like Samuel, Greenlaw spent last season with another team—the Denver Broncos—before returning to the 49ers this offseason.
Greenlaw revealed that he reached out to Samuel during the offseason, encouraging him to return to Santa Clara.
"He knows it ain't no place like San Fran," Greenlaw said after Saturday's practice.
He said his own experience reinforced what makes the 49ers organization different from others around the NFL.
"Just for myself, just the coaches, the people in the building, the players, the leadership that we got on this team, just that warm feeling that you get that it's just it's time for battle, and that's the only thing that matters," Greenlaw said. "And this place is just about football. If you're a football player, you love that.
"And just to have the right group of guys around you, that want the same thing and that got that same motivation, it's just an unbelievable feeling, unbelievable place, and I know that's what he wants, too. I know Deebo's a football player as well, and sometimes you got to go and see what's out there, but once you go, you realize, 'Hey, ain't nothing like San Fran.'"
Greenlaw: Samuel brings the "juice" back to the offense
Greenlaw believes Samuel's return will provide an immediate boost to the 49ers' offense as the team prepares to compete in what many expect to be the NFL's toughest division.
"It's huge," Greenlaw said. "He's the juice of the offense. He's the thing that keeps the offense going when they need a spark. So just knowing that he's going to be back on our side, it just gives you all the confidence in the world that we can get this done this year. And yeah, I'm excited for him."
If Greenlaw is right, the reunion could provide the spark San Francisco's offense needs as it enters the 2026 season with lofty expectations.
More info on: Mike Evans, Dre Greenlaw, Ricky Pearsall, Deebo Samuel
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