Watch the video below for a glimpse of what the new kickoffs will look like.
Samuel wouldn't mind taking on the return specialist role if needed.
After Friday's practice, when asked if he would like a shot at regular kick return duties, Samuel answered, "Oh, for sure."
He added, "I wouldn't mind doing it from the get-go. I'm a team-first player, so if [head coach] Kyle [Shanahan] was like, 'Hey, man, we don't want you to do it full-time. We just use you whenever we really need it,' I'm fine with that. But if you want to use me full-time, I'm all for that as well."
The star receiver admits that NFL players will experience a significant adjustment, which could eventually alter how teams build their special teams units.
"Looking at it, it's kind of weird, but I feel like, on the side that we on, for us, the returning team, I feel like we have a real big advantage of you make one guy miss," Samuel said. "I mean, it's just you and a kicker, and nine times out of 10, the kicker's not making tackles. So I'm pretty sure people will try to turn skill guys into kickers at some point if it continue to go [this way], just so they have a last-line-of-defense tackler."
Samuel also believes this could be a precursor to eventually doing away with kickoffs altogether.
"I feel like, at some point, if it got to this point, I feel like in a couple years or so, [there] probably won't be a kick return or anything along those lines. I feel like it's gonna be a lot of touchdowns coming from not just us, but from other teams as well because I'm pretty sure other people got a lot of skilled guys that's really good in space as well."
Related News
More San Francisco 49ers News
-
Deebo Samuel's Latest Comments Are a Powerful Reminder of His 49ers Legacy
Deebo Samuel remains unsigned, but he's confident that his best football is still ahead of him. As training camps begin across the league, Samuel is still one of the top free agents available. In a video on his YouTube channel, he dismissed the idea that his career is... -
49ers insider believes Deebo Samuel wanted a return to San Francisco
Former San Francisco 49ers and Washington Commanders wide receiver Deebo Samuel remains a free agent as training camps begin across the NFL. However, the veteran playmaker still hopes to continue his career in 2026. Last offseason, Samuel expressed his desire to move on from... -
Should the 49ers bring back Deebo Samuel? Pros and cons of a reunion
Fullback Kyle Juszczyk and tight end George Kittle are both open to Deebo Samuel returning to the San Francisco 49ers. Samuel shared an Instagram post reading, "Let the chips fall where they may," and the two All-Pros said they have guest rooms available if needed. Naturally,... -
Analyst warns 49ers against potential Deebo Samuel reunion
Former San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Deebo Samuel remains a free agent, fueling speculation about a possible return to the team. Two of his former teammates—tight end George Kittle and fullback Kyle Juszczyk—have already made it clear they would welcome a...