49ers Urged to Reunite With Record-Setting Wide Receiver in Trade Proposal

September 29, 2026 - 00:58

The San Francisco 49ers are facing questions about their wide receiver room heading into the offseason, and one analyst thinks a reunion could solve their problems. Grant Cohn of Sports Illustrated recently pitched the idea of the team trading for a wide receiver who already made history in a 49ers uniform.

The player in question is Deebo Samuel, who was dealt to the Washington Commanders last offseason. During his time in San Francisco, Samuel became the first wide receiver in NFL history to record multiple seasons with at least 1,000 receiving yards and 300 rushing yards. His versatility made him a unique weapon in Kyle Shanahan's offense, lining up everywhere from the backfield to the slot.

Samuel's production dipped after the trade, and reports have suggested his future in Washington is uncertain. That has led to speculation about a possible return to the Bay Area, where he enjoyed the best years of his career.

Bringing Samuel back would give quarterback Brock Purdy another reliable target and restore a player who knows the system well. The 49ers would need to weigh the cost of a trade against Samuel's recent injury history and declining numbers.

For now, the idea remains a pitch rather than a reported negotiation. But as San Francisco looks to retool its offense, a familiar face could be exactly what the team needs.