Underrated 49ers Signing Could Pay Huge Dividends in 2026

Alex Kay of Bleacher Report recently identified five free agent signings who are already looking like steals at training camp. Unsurprisingly, Ray listed Samuel as one of those players.

"Samuel is already helping ease the loss of Ricky Pearsall, who will miss all of 2026 after undergoing surgery for a PCL injury," Kay explained. "Despite profiling as Pearsall's replacement, Shanahan revealed that Samuel was already on San Francisco's radar and would have likely joined the club regardless."

Samuel has been catching everything at practice, and he looks just as quick and shifty as did during his first tenure with the 49ers.

"Samuel's ability to churn up tough yards as both a rusher and receiver, coupled with Shanahan's ability to get him the ball in space, will be a huge boon to San Francisco's title chances in 2026. Getting those skills for a meager $7 million is just icing on the cake," Kay added.

Samuel quietly had another efficient season in 2025 with the Washington Commanders. The receiver caught 72 passes for 727 yards and five touchdowns. Samuel led the Commanders in catches and yards, but it still took a while for his market to develop this offseason.

In the end, Samuel gets to go back to where it all started and play a big role. Samuel spent the first six years of his career with the 49ers and looked like one of the best weapons in the league at points.

Samuel earned a Pro Bowl and First-team All-Pro selection for his 2021 season. That year, Samuel caught 77 passes for 1,405 yards and six touchdowns and also rushed for 365 yards and eight scores.

The receiver has never quite replicated that season's production, but he's still proven to be a valuable playmaker. The 49ers can definitely feel slightly about losing Pearsall now that Samuel is back.