Deebo Samuel agrees to return to 49ers after Pearsall knee injury

The San Francisco 49ers’ receiving corps took an early training camp hit as Ricky Pearsall’s knee injury became a growing concern.

That uncertainty led San Francisco back to a familiar name. Former All-Pro wide receiver Deebo Samuel agreed Thursday to return to the 49ers on a one-year deal worth up to $7 million, ESPN reported.

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San Francisco 49ers player Deebo Samuel Sr. warms up before a game against the Seattle Seahawks at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California, on Nov. 17, 2024. (Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)

Samuel’s NFL career started in the Bay Area after the 49ers spent a second round draft pick on the South Carolina standout in 2019.

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Samuel went on to spend the first six years of his NFL run with the Niners and helped the team reach the Super Bowl twice. He earned All-Pro honors in 2021 when he had 1,770 yards from scrimmage and 14 touchdowns.

Washington Commanders player Deebo Samuel (1)warms up before a game at Northwest Stadium in Landover, Maryland, on Dec. 20, 2025. (Michael Owens/Getty Images)

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Samuel was traded to Washington in 2025 for a fifth-round draft pick and had 72 catches for 727 yards and five touchdowns for the Commanders last season.

San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Deebo Samuel Sr., left, cannot catch a pass while being defended by Los Angeles Rams safety Kamren Kinchens during the second half of an NFL football game in Santa Clara, Calif., Thursday, Dec. 12, 2024. (AP Photo/Jed Jacobsohn)

He became a free agent in March and now will join the Niners to provide reinforcement with Pearsall out.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.