1 Key Signing Proving Valuable for 49ers

The San Francisco 49ers made a couple of key signings in the offseason. Some are already proving to be a valuable move for the team. In March, the 49ers agreed to a deal with veteran wide receiver Mike Evans, who is already a difference-maker for the offense. Heading into Week 3, wide receiver Deebo Samuel is proving to be a key offseason signing.

Samuel signed with the 49ers at the end of July. The veteran wide receiver signed a one-year, $7 million deal. He returned to the 49ers after reports that wide receiver Ricky Pearsall was dealing with an injury. After two weeks of the season, Samuel’s return has become more important for the team.

Why Deebo Samuel’s Return is Proving to be a Key Signing

With Pearsall missing the entire regular season after his knee surgery, re-signing Samuel made sense. Samuel knows 49ers coach Kyle Shanahan’s system, and he can step right back in.

49ers rookie wide receiver De’Zhaun Stribling was carted off the field, suffering a non-contact injury in Week 1. Stribling has since undergone surgery, and will miss about 10 weeks as he recovers from a left ankle deltoid ligament sprain.

The 49ers are coming off a big win against the Miami Dolphins, but lost another wide receiver. 49ers receiver Demarcus Robinson suffered a high ankle sprain and is an Injured Reserve candidate. The positve news is that Robinson may not miss too much time, but it is a tough blow to an already injured position group.

With Robinson and Stribling out, this is a big opportunity for Samuel to step up.

Deebo Samuel’s 49ers Return

The 49ers are 2-0 to start the season. The team’s season began in Australia with a big win against NFC West opponent, the Los Angeles Rams. The win also included Samuel’s first touchdown since returning to the team.

Within two games, Samuel has racked up nine receptions for 79 yards and one touchdown. He also has two carries for 16 yards.

The 49ers are splitting the carries between running backs Christian McCaffrey and Kaelon Black. While that system is working well, Samuel can still be expected to earn a couple of carries. Fans can expect Samuel’s dual threat to still be used on offense.

Even with wide receiver injuries, the offense is off to a hot start. In the team’s home opener against the Dolphins, the offense scored a touchdown on each of the first five drives. This is the first time the offense has done so over 40 years.