Chargers, Cardinals, Steelers, 49ers named potential landing spots for former $71 million All-Pro receiver

The Los Angeles Chargers, Arizona Cardinals, Pittsburgh Steelers, and San Francisco 49ers have all been linked to a former All-Pro receiver set to hit the free agency market in the spring.

Deebo Samuel may not be a superstar anymore, but the veteran can still be a viable contributor for any offense. CBS Sports'  Zachary Pereles predicts Samuel will land with the Chargers, but he also notes the Cardinals, Steelers, and 49ers as potential suitors.

"The longtime 49ers standout heads back to the west coast after one season with the Commanders. Samuel provides new offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel (who was with Samuel in San Francisco) another chess piece, one who can excel after the catch and provide easy completions for Herbert," Pereles wrote.

Despite dealing with inconsistent quarterback play with the Commanders in 2025, Samuel was still decently productive, posting 72 receptions for 727 yards and five touchdowns.

Samuel is no longer the All-Pro player he was in 2021 with the 49ers, but he can still make an impact as a starting receiver.

Los Angeles would be a nice fit for Samuel, as he would get the chance to work with Mike McDaniel again and give quarterback Justin Herbert another weapon.

However, signing with the receiver-needy Steelers or pursuing a reunion with the 49ers also makes sense. Though the Cardinals have a decent amount of cap space, it's hard to imagine Samuel signing with a non-contending team at this stage of his career.

Pittsburgh needs to find a No. 2 opposite DK Metcalf, while San Francisco will need to add a few receivers this offseason with Jauan Jennings set to hit the market and Brandon Aiyuk likely out of the picture.

We'll see where Samuel ends up, but there's no denying the 30-year-old will be a coveted player in free agency with a few years of solid play left.

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