Deebo Samuel explains why 49ers reunion made perfect sense

It was somewhat surprising when the San Francisco 49ers signed Deebo Samuel to a one-year deal, reuniting with the wide receiver after he requested a trade last year.

However, the reunion wasn't surprising to Samuel. He had been in talks with the 49ers for some time and hoped to return to the team that selected him in the second round of the 2019 NFL Draft.

Samuel sat down with NFL Network's Ian Rapoport and Omar Ruiz on Monday and explained why he wanted to return to the 49ers in 2026.

"This is where I got drafted at, and the culture that [general manager] John [Lynch] and [head coach] Kyle [Shanahan] and those guys have built with the players that they have bought in, and the mentality that they have instilled in all the players, it's just a standard," Samuel shared.

"And you can go back to last year—I was still keeping tabs on the guys. And with all the injuries and this, that, and the third that they was dealt, they still had a great season. And that's just the standard of next-man-up mentality. Everybody practices the same, everybody lives under one standard."

Samuel is now back catching passes from quarterback Brock Purdy, who showcased some impressive throws during Monday's practice. The veteran receiver shared his thoughts on Purdy as the quarterback prepares to enter his fifth NFL season.

"I think Brock has been the most consistent, persistent, really good in decision-making, not making too many mistakes," Samuel said. "I think that's what he's really, really good at—getting the ball out on time, and giving receivers opportunities to step back to the ball even when you're covered. Let's see [if you can] make this play to build that trust, and also challenging the defense as well."

Samuel has struggled to replicate the impact he had earlier in his career with the 49ers. The hope in San Francisco is that his reunion with the team can help him return to form in 2026.

The early signs look positive.

"I mean, Deebo's in great shape, first of all," offensive coordinator Klay Kubiak said on Monday. "He looks really good to me in terms of where his body's at. He can run all day. So no issues there, and Deebo still looks like Deebo to me. I mean, when he has the ball in his hand, there's nobody more explosive, more dynamic on the field."