Deebo Samuel is playing with something different in 2026. San Francisco 49ers teammate Trent Williams believes he knows exactly why. After an offseason that brought an unfamiliar wave of doubt, Samuel has returned to Santa Clara with renewed purpose. Williams says that skepticism may have unlocked the most dangerous version of the versatile playmaker yet.

Trent Williams thinks is the best version of Deebo Samuel ever.

"We anticipated this. We knew Deebo was coming back with a vengeance. This offseason was the first time in his career when he was doubted. … Him having to feel that doubt for the first time lit a fire under him." pic.twitter.com/QIOkLw2hNX

— David Lombardi (@LombardiHimself) October 5, 2026

“We anticipated this. We knew Deebo was coming back with a vengeance,” Williams said via David Lombardi. “This offseason was the first time in his career when he was doubted… Him having to feel that doubt for the first time lit a fire under him.”

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Samuel’s confidence took a hit after spending the 2025 season away from San Francisco. It prompted questions about whether his best football was behind him. The 49ers brought him back on a one-year deal in August. Now, injuries to Mike Evans and Christian Kirk have created even more opportunities for Samuel to reclaim a prominent role in Kyle Shanahan’s offense.

Drafted 36th overall by San Francisco in 2019 out of South Carolina, Samuel helped redefine the “wide back” role. He combined dynamic receiving ability with punishing rushing production. His 2021 campaign produced 1,405 receiving yards, 365 rushing yards, and an NFL-record eight rushing touchdowns for a wide receiver. Samuel earned First-Team All-Pro and Pro Bowl honors. He has also played in two Super Bowls with San Francisco and became the only wideout in NFL history with at least 20 receiving and 20 rushing touchdowns. After recording 72 catches for 727 yards with Washington in 2025, Samuel returned to the 49ers in 2026.

Williams’ message is simple: the doubt fueled Samuel. Now, San Francisco is getting the benefit of that fire.