All-Pro WR rumored to make surprise return to 49ers this offseason

The San Francisco 49ers are rumored to be looking to reunite with a former offensive star this offseason, and the rest of the NFC West is not going to be enthusiastic about who might be coming back to the Bay Area.

Reports suggest that Deebo Samuel, who spent six seasons with the 49ers after being drafted in the second round of the 2019 NFL Draft by the franchise, is not expected to return to the Washington Commanders after his debut season with the organization. Furthermore, the 49ers are expected to be the favorites to land his services.

𝗕𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴: Veteran WR Deebo Samuel is not expected to return to the Commanders, per @MatthewBerryTMR

The 49ers are rumored to be the favorites to land him. pic.twitter.com/tdmYGbokZ9

— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) March 2, 2026

The news comes after Samuel was traded to the Commanders by the 49ers just last offseason. Samuels would go on to finish the 2025 season with 727 yards and five touchdowns, despite the franchise struggling with multiple injuries at the quarterback position all season.

Samuels was one of the most dangerous offensive weapons the 49ers had during his six seasons with the franchise, and he has racked up 5,519 receiving yards, 27 receiving touchdowns, 1,218 rushing yards, and 21 rushing touchdowns over the course of his NFL career. His best season came in 2021, when he recorded 1,770 all-purpose scrimmage yards (including 1,405 receiving yards) and 14 all-purpose scrimmage touchdowns and was named a first-team All-Pro selection and a Pro Bowler.

This article originally appeared on Touchdown Wire: All-Pro WR rumored to make surprise return to 49ers this offseason