49ers’ George Kittle Drops Major Hint About Deebo Samuel’s Return

By Michael Gallagher

The San Francisco 49ers had a season filled with high expectations, and while they fell short in certain key moments, they still made waves in the NFC. Up until the final week of the regular season, many would argue the 49ers were the best team in the NFC. However, a disappointing Week 17 loss to the Seattle Seahawks, who would eventually go on to win the Super Bowl, cost San Francisco a division title and the coveted No. 1 seed in the conference.

Despite entering the playoffs with a solid 13-4 record, the 49ers were quickly ousted by the Seahawks in the NFC divisional round, suffering a dominant 41-6 defeat. This crushing loss led many to question whether the outcome could have been different if the 49ers had a fully healthy roster. The team went into that divisional-round game without key players such as star edge rusher Nick Bosa, All-Pro linebacker Fred Warner, All-Pro wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk, and Pro Bowl tight end George Kittle, among others.

Kittle Teases Potential Deebo Samuel Reunion

One of the biggest offseason talking points for the 49ers revolves around the possibility of reuniting with former wide receiver Deebo Samuel. Samuel, who was a pivotal piece of the 49ers’ offense during his six-year stint with the team, was traded to the Washington Commanders last offseason for a fifth-round pick. Since then, the 49ers have been without his dynamic playmaking ability, and fans have wondered if there’s a chance the 30-year-old receiver could return to the Bay Area.

During a recent interview with Sports Illustrated, George Kittle dropped a major hint that could excite 49ers fans about a potential Deebo Samuel reunion. Kittle shared his thoughts on the team’s outlook for the next season, expressing optimism about the roster and hinting at the return of some familiar faces.

“My one message for Niners fans?” Kittle said. “Hey, if a rebuild year got us 13 wins and a win in the wild card round, that’s pretty good. It’s only going to get a little better from that. And all the boys are coming back again, and who knows, we might add some past friends. I don’t know, I hung out with Deebo last night — that was fun. I love Deebo, you kidding me.”

When asked directly if he would like to see Samuel return to the team, Kittle was unequivocal in his response.

“I love Deebo, that’s all I’m going to say,” Kittle added.

Samuel’s Legacy with the 49ers

Deebo Samuel’s time with the 49ers was marked by some of the most exciting and versatile play on the field. Over six seasons, Samuel recorded 334 receptions for 4,792 yards and 22 touchdowns. He also added 1,143 rushing yards and 20 touchdowns to his name, making him one of the most dynamic players in the NFL. Samuel was a huge part of the 49ers’ offensive scheme, providing both a deep threat in the passing game and a versatile weapon in the running game.

In 2025, despite his trade to Washington, Samuel still posted a respectable season with 72 catches for 727 yards and 5 touchdowns. With the veteran wideout set to hit free agency this offseason, the potential for a reunion with the 49ers is now a hot topic among fans and analysts alike.

The 49ers’ Offseason Roster Outlook

As the 49ers look toward the 2026 season, they have several key roster decisions to make. The team has 21 pending free agents, many of whom were integral contributors in the 2025 season. Among the top free-agent priorities are wide receivers Jauan Jennings and Kendrick Bourne, offensive tackle Spencer Burford, offensive guard Ben Bartch, defensive end Yetur Gross-Matos, and kicker Eddy Pineiro. These players are all critical pieces for the 49ers as they look to strengthen their roster.

One of the most pressing concerns is the status of Brandon Aiyuk, who didn’t play in 2025 after suffering ACL and MCL injuries the year before. The 49ers also voided $24.935 million of Aiyuk’s guaranteed money, fueling speculation that the two sides may be heading toward a divorce this offseason. With Jennings also likely seeking a raise, the 49ers may be without their top two wide receivers as they head into the new season.

Cap Space and Potential Moves

The 49ers currently have $42.9 million in cap space for the 2026 season, but they could create additional room by restructuring contracts. The team could free up another $17.1 million by restructuring Nick Bosa’s contract, and $15.75 million more by restructuring offensive tackle Trent Williams’ deal. With this extra cap space, the 49ers could look to make some key signings or re-sign important free agents, including potentially bringing Deebo Samuel back into the fold.

A Critical Offseason for the 49ers

As the 49ers enter the 2026 offseason, they are in a strong position but face several key decisions. The team is already stacked with talent, and their strong core of players, including quarterback Trey Lance, tight end George Kittle, and defensive stars like Nick Bosa and Fred Warner, provides a solid foundation. However, adding key pieces like Deebo Samuel could be just the move the 49ers need to take their roster from good to great.

The 49ers have the opportunity to retool their roster with a focus on both improving depth and securing their star players. If they can add a player of Samuel’s caliber to their offense once again, the 49ers could be poised for another deep playoff run, with one of the most complete teams in the NFC.

With George Kittle’s enthusiasm and confidence in the team’s future, it’s clear the 49ers are focused on returning to their winning ways in 2026. Whether or not Samuel returns, the team will have the resources and talent to remain competitive, but adding the dynamic playmaker back to the roster could be the final piece of the puzzle.