Deebo Samuel’s return to the San Francisco 49ers appears to be one of the team’s notable reunion moves ahead of Week 1 of the 2026 season. Samuel indicated that getting back to San Francisco was something he expected would happen, describing it as only a matter of time before the two sides found common ground.
The move fits a larger pattern for the 49ers as they reconnect with familiar players before the new campaign. The snippet also notes that linebacker Dre Greenlaw is back with the club after spending one season with the Denver Broncos, adding to the sense that San Francisco is leaning on known contributors.
Samuel’s comments suggest there was confidence on his side that a deal would eventually come together. While the available details do not outline the full negotiations, the tone points to a reunion that felt realistic rather than surprising.
For the 49ers, bringing back proven talent before the opener could help restore continuity on both sides of the ball. Samuel’s return, along with Greenlaw’s, gives San Francisco another connection to its recent core as the team prepares for the 2026 season.