SANTA CLARA, Calif. — George Kittle didn’t mince words. Following a heartbreaking Divisional Round exit that capped a surprising 13-win “rebuild,” the San Francisco 49ers tight end has his sights set on the one missing piece that could tilt the scales in 2026: Deebo Samuel.
Fresh off a one-year stint with the Washington Commanders, Samuel is hitting free agency, and the 49ers’ locker room leaders are already campaigning for a reunion. The “wide back” who defined Shanahan’s offense for half a decade is on the market, and if Kittle and Christian McCaffrey have their way, No. 19 will be back in red and gold by March.
The Recruitment Pitch
Kittle sparked the speculation on Thursday, dropping a not-so-subtle hint about the team’s offseason plans. After hanging out with Samuel the night before, Kittle sent a flare up for the front office.
“My one message for Niners fans, ‘Hey if a rebuild year got us to 13 wins and a win in the wild card, that’s pretty good,'” Kittle told Sports Illustrated. “It’s only gonna get a little bit better from that and all the boys are coming back again. And who knows we might add some past friends.”
When pressed on who those friends might be, Kittle played coy, but the dots connect themselves. “I don’t know,” he grinned. “I hung out with Deebo last night. That was fun. I love Deebo.”
Christian McCaffrey, the engine of the 49ers’ current offense, doubled down on the sentiment. Speaking on the “Up & Adams” show, the All-Pro running back made it clear the door is wide open.
“Deebo’s one of my favorite guys I’ve ever played with. We all love Deebo. Our whole staff loves Deebo. All of the players on the team love Deebo. There’s no question that he will be welcomed back.” — Christian McCaffrey, 49ers RB
Why It Makes Sense (And Why It Doesn’t)
The nostalgia is palpable, but the business case is complicated. Samuel turns 30 this year. His 2025 campaign in Washington was solid but not spectacular—802 scrimmage yards and six touchdowns on 89 touches. He’s still a bruiser, but the explosive, field-flipping plays that defined his 2021 All-Pro season were less frequent in the nation’s capital.
However, San Francisco’s receiver room is in flux. Brandon Aiyuk is a prime cut candidate after a tumultuous season where guarantees were voided, and Ricky Pearsall has struggled to stay on the field through his first two years. With Jauan Jennings also hitting free agency, the 49ers desperately need a reliable veteran presence who knows Kyle Shanahan’s playbook inside and out.
Fans are split. Some see a savvy veteran signing; others see a step backward. “Love Deebo but we gotta move forward not backwards,” one fan posted on X. Another countered, “If Deebo would sign for vet minimum or just above… cool.”
Playoff Implications / What’s Next
General Manager John Lynch faces a pivotal March. The 49ers proved they can win without a star-studded roster in 2025, grinding out 13 wins in a transition year. But to punch through the NFC ceiling and return to the Super Bowl, they need dynamic playmaking. Bringing Samuel back would be a gamble on chemistry over youth, betting that his unique physicality can still punish defenses in limited bursts.
If the price is right—likely a short-term, incentive-laden deal—expect the 49ers to make the call. If Samuel demands top-market money, Kittle’s “old friend” might remain just a friend.
