49ers linked to reunion with All-Pro WR to pair with Mike Evans

Coming into the offseason, the San Francisco 49ers were looking to improve the offense, especially at the wide receiver position.

They've already done just that by signing Mike Evans to a multi-year deal and adding Christian Kirk on a one-year contract. But, they could still use another wide receiver after losing three options this offseason.

Bleacher Report's Kristopher Knox linked the 49ers to a reunion with a veteran receiver who was an All-Pro with the 49ers a few years ago. While this would be a slight surprise, this player, Deebo Samuel, returning to the 49ers does make some sense.

49ers linked to reunion with Deebo Samuel

"A return to San Francisco would make plenty of sense for Samuel, as would joining an up-and-comer like the Carolina Panthers," Knox writes.

The 49ers bringing Samuel back would make sense from the standpoint that the 49ers need more wide receiver help after losing a few key players this offseason.

Brandon Aiyuk is still technically on the roster, but he's as good as gone. The 49ers are only holding out hope that a team, like Samuel's former team in the Washington Commanders, would offer a trade to get Aiyuk.

Kendrick Bourne went to the Arizona Cardinals in a free agent deal this offseason, and Jauan Jennings is still a free agent two weeks into the offseason.

More: 49ers sign Mike Evans away from Buccaneers after 12 years

While Evans and Kirk are signed, the 49ers will still need to bolster their WR room with at least one more option. And while the NFL Draft is a possible spot for that depth upgrade, Samuel would make a lot of sense as well.

He's a dual-threat wide receiver, as the 49ers know well from his six years with the team from 2019 through 2024. After a brutal 2024 season, Samuel left for the Commanders and had a solid year.

Samuel caught 72 of 99 passes from a litany of quarterbacks for 727 yards and five touchdowns with 17 rushing attempts for 75 yards and one touchdown.

The 49ers bringing Samuel back would be a fun reunion this offseason, especially since the 49ers wouldn't be requiring him to be the team's top option. With Evans and Ricky Pearsall, Samuel would, at best, be the third WR.

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