As the NFL shifts focus to free agency following Sunday’s Super Bowl, San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle has ignited speculation about a potential reunion with wide receiver Deebo Samuel in the 2026 season. Speaking on Thursday, Kittle hinted that the team might consider bringing back familiar faces in the coming months, suggesting optimism about the 49ers’ future.
“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 said, via 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 asked to clarify who the “past friends” could be, Kittle commented,
“I don’t know. I hung out with Deebo last night. That was fun. I love Deebo.”
Fan Reactions to the Idea of Deebo Samuel Returning
The suggestion of Deebo Samuel’s return stirred mixed reactions among 49ers supporters. Some fans expressed caution, emphasizing a desire to focus on moving forward rather than revisiting past rosters.
One fan remarked,
“Love Deebo but we gotta move forward not backwards.”
Another added,
“If Deebo would sign for vet minimum or just above and understand he would be a 3 or gadget player, cool.”
Other fans were more critical of the reunion talk.
“If this happens, fire (49ers general manager John) Lynch immediately I ain’t playing around,”
one fan said. Another warned,
“They’ll never win a title, but it’s the friends you make along the way and take to Cabo at the end of the season that really counts.”
A further comment addressed financial and roster concerns:
“No thanks. He averaged 10 yards a catch last season. He’s 30 years old, and will cost $10-$15 million a year. And he also takes the roster spot of a young guy. Time to move forward.”
Another fan bluntly tweeted,
“If FO brings him back, we’ve lost the plot.”
Deebo Samuel’s Status and Past Chemistry with the Team
Samuel was traded to the Washington Commanders in March but did not agree to an extension, making him an unrestricted free agent heading into the offseason. During his tenure with the 49ers, Samuel built strong on- and off-field chemistry with Kittle, who was entering his third season when Samuel was drafted at No. 36 in 2019.
Christian McCaffrey Welcomes Idea of Samuel’s Return
Running back Christian McCaffrey also weighed in on Thursday, expressing his positive feelings toward the possibility of Samuel rejoining the 49ers. Speaking on the “Up & Adams” show, McCaffrey stated,
“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.”
Despite Samuel’s recent seasons being less dominant than earlier years, he still produced a solid 2025 campaign, finishing with 802 scrimmage yards and six touchdowns on 89 touches.
Potential Changes in the 49ers’ Receiving Corps Ahead of the Offseason
The 49ers’ wide receiver group may see significant alterations this offseason. Jauan Jennings is expected to enter free agency, Brandon Aiyuk is considered a prime candidate for release, and Ricky Pearsall has been hampered by injuries through his first two seasons. These developments add context to why the team might consider reuniting with a familiar playmaker like Samuel.
Outlook on the 49ers’ Offseason Strategy and Future Prospects
The speculation around George Kittle and Deebo Samuel reflects broader optimism about the 49ers’ direction following a strong 13-win season and a playoff victory. The potential reunion could bolster an already promising roster, though fan opinions highlight the challenges of balancing nostalgia with building for the future.
As free agency unfolds, the 49ers’ decisions regarding wide receiver personnel will be closely watched, with the possibility of Samuel’s return adding to the intrigue. Whether the team opts to reconnect with past contributors or continues to develop new talent, the moves made in the upcoming months will shape San Francisco’s chances in the 2026 season and beyond.
#49ers George Kittle heavily hints at a Deebo Samuel return to the Niners 👀
via @SInow pic.twitter.com/lKQUvijH4B
— 𝙏𝙝𝙚𝙎𝙁𝙉𝙞𝙣𝙚𝙧𝙨 (@TheSFNiners) February 10, 2026
Love Deebo but we gotta move forward not backwards.
— G V (@gv49ers) February 10, 2026
If Deebo would sign for vet minimum or just above and understand he would be a 3 or gadget player…cool
— BangBang9ersGang (@Bang9ersGang) February 10, 2026
If this happens fire Lynch immediately I ain’t playing around
— jasmine castro (@jasminecastro20) February 10, 2026
They’ll never win a title, but it’s the friends you make along the way and take to Cabo at the end of the season that really counts
— Figure it out (@cutaboveyou) February 10, 2026
No thanks. He averaged 10 yards a catch last season, he’s 30 years old, and will cost $10-$15 million a year. And he also takes the roster spot of a young guy. Time to move forward!
— Mike (@49Brick) February 10, 2026
If FO brings him back, we’ve lost the plot
— Willie (@Willie_V11) February 10, 2026
