49ers’ Deebo Samuel reunion doesn’t move the needle in NFC West arms race with Rams, Seahawks

So the San Francisco 49ers found a new way to drown out the Brandon Aiyuk noise. The franchise brought back wide receiver Deebo Samuel Thursday, who last played for the Washington Commanders. Such a move sparked fan theories that SF just moved the needle in the NFC West arms race with the Los Angeles Rams and Seattle Seahawks.

Samuel’s reunion most definitely should energize 49er fans. But this move doesn’t completely tilt the title hand towards San Francisco in taking a deeper dive.

49ers are Getting the Older Deebo Samuel

He’s heading back to Santa Clara as a 30-year-old who hasn’t recaptured his 2021 form.

Samuel hasn’t surpassed 1,000 receiving yards since that All-Pro season. The closest he got was 892 in 2023 which featured seven touchdowns. That same ’23 campaign was also the last time he delivered 1,000 yards from scrimmage.

But his numbers declined in 2024 by catching 51 passes for 670 yards and three touchdowns. Even his one season in Washington didn’t see astronomical stats: 72 receptions, 727 yards and five touchdowns. He’s also scored a combined 10 touchdowns the last two seasons.

San Francisco and general manager John Lynch are pressuring themselves here in bringing back Samuel. All amid Aiyuk’s continuous desire to leave the 49ers, plus Ricky Pearsall’s 2026 status in question amid his knee injury.

This signing certainly will sell tickets at Levi’s Stadium. But again, Lynch and head coach Kyle Shanahan are bringing in the older version of Samuel in an act of desperation.

Rams Still got Better This Offseason

Samuel shredded a Rams secondary that featured Jalen Ramsey getting older. Plus Ramsey not having much help either.

Now he’s dealing with two Super Bowl winners at cornerback in Jaylen Watson and Trent McDuffie, the latter he’ll likely have battles with. And both defeated Samuel’s 49ers back in the 2023 season.

But the new cornerback duo aren’t the only worry on the 49ers’ side. So is the arrival of All-Pro edge rusher Myles Garrett for LA.

Seahawks Likely Won’t Drop Off Much

Yes Super Bowl 60 Most Valuable Player Kenneth Walker is gone. But quarterback Sam Darnold brings back Jaxon Smith-Njigba at wide receiver.

They’re also running it back with re-signing wide receiver/return man Rashid Shaheed, cornerback Josh Jobe and welcoming back WR Tory Horton plus running back Zach Charbonnet from their injuries after putting together a strong 2025.

There won’t be much drop off in Seattle.

What Samuel’s Signing Really does

So SF lures back a fan favorite.

Once again the 49ers Faithful can wear his jersey proudly again. But Samuel re-enters a far more competitive NFC West. Plus walks inside a fading wideout room.

San Francisco’s age concerns everywhere else also puts them at risk of facing an early playoff exit or missing the postseason completely.

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