Pro Football Rumors
A number of veteran wideouts remain unsigned as teams prepare to begin training camp. Deebo Samuel is among them, but he is seeking a new NFL opportunity.
“Going on Year 8… [I] still feel like I got a lot, at least like three, four good years left,” Samuel said in a video posted to his YouTube page yesterday. “It’s kind of been tough, not even going to lie to you. All the free agency stuff going on, waking up in the morning, looking at your phone, seeing if your agent hit you [up] and was like, ‘This team is interested,’ or things along those lines.”
Indeed, Samuel has not been heavily connected to any known suitors throughout free agency. The former All-Pro spent his first seven seasons in San Francisco, and some of his former teammates have campaigned for a return to the 49ers. It is not clear if the team has any interest in a reunion after trading him away last March, however.
Samuel was dealt to the Commanders to play out the final year of his contract. In 2025, the South Carolina product produced 802 scrimmage yards and six total touchdowns in 16 games. Samuel was targeted 99 times, although his yards per catch average (10.1) was the lowest of his career. At the age of 30, he could still be viewed as an experienced No. 2 or No. 3 option in the passing game.
In 2022, Samuel inked a 49ers extension averaging $23.85MM per year. His next deal will of course check in at a much lower price, but several teams could stand to make a receiver addition in the near future. Samuel added he is “overly prepared” for his next gig, wherever it will come from. The likes of Stefon Diggs, Keenan Allen and DeAndre Hopkins are also unsigned at this point. Their markets will no doubt go a long way in determining Samuel’s.
It will be interesting to see if the other 30-something WRs manage to line up contracts in time for the start of training camp or if injuries prove to be more of a motivating factor driving interest from suitors. Either way, Samuel fully intends to continue his career in 2026 and beyond.
