Deebo Samuel Sr.

Deebo Samuel rejoins the San Francisco 49ers on a one-year deal after a one-year dalliance with the Commanders. Samuel will compete with De'Zhaun Stribling to be the WR2 in the pecking order behind Mike Evans. Last year, Samuel was the WR29 in fantasy points per game while putting up a varied stat line. Samuel posted some metrics that make me want to feel bullish about his 2026 outlook, but there are also concerning pieces of his analytical profile. Let's start out with the good. Last year, among 109 qualifying receivers, Samuel was 18th in target share (22.4%), ninth in yards after the catch per reception (6.6), 21st in first-read share (27.3%), and ninth-best in missed tackles forced per reception. Unfortunately, though, among the same sample of receivers, he was also 38th in yards per route run and 53rd in first downs per route run (0.076) while seeing his usual bevy of underneath targets (5.3 aDOT, 103rd out of 109 qualifying receivers). I find myself more in than out with Samuel for 2026. His ability to break tackles and create with the ball in his hands has always been his calling card, and he's still posting stellar metrics in those departments and target-earning areas. The per-route efficiency worries I'll chalk up to Washington's struggling offense last season. Samuel should be a viable WR3/flex with upside for 2026 in the 49ers' offense.

49ers WR Deebo Samuel Sr. will play against the Chargers in the preseason

Fantasy Impact

Thursday night's contest could offer a closer look at the type of role Samuel will have in the 49ers' offense this season.