The San Francisco 49ers on Saturday officially announced the signing of wide receiver Deebo Samuel. In a corresponding move the 49ers placed WR Ricky Pearsall on season-ending IR as he deals with complications from the PCL injury he sustained last season.
Reports first surfaced Thursday of the reunion between the 49ers and their 2019 second-round pick one year after trading him to the Washington Commanders. Samuel had a visit with the 49ers on Friday according to the NFL’s transaction wire. Now he’s put pen to paper on a one-year contract that could pay him up to $7 million.
It appears based on wide receiver Jacob Cowing’s switch from No. 19 to No. 6 that Samuel will be back in his original jersey number when he suits up for the red and gold.
As for his role? That remains to be seen as the team navigates the preseason.
The 49ers would ideally have Samuel work in as a third receiver behind veteran Mike Evans and rookie WR De’Zhaun Stribling who has drawn praise from Evans and quarterback Brock Purdy early in camp. If Stribling can get up to speed quickly enough to be the team’s No. 2 WR, it paves the way for Samuel to fit in as a third WR where he can be deployed in ways that maximize his skill set.
Last season in Washington Samuel had 72 catches for 727 yards and five touchdowns in 16 games. For his career he’s up to 406 catches, 5,519 yards and 27 touchdowns. The do-everything WR has also racked up 1,218 rushing yards and 21 rushing touchdowns on 219 carries in his career, though last season he was limited to 75 yards and one touchdown on 17 attempts.
Samuel figures to be on the field with the 49ers on Saturday for their second padded practice of training camp.
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This article originally appeared on Niners Wire: 49ers officially sign Deebo Samuel, Ricky Pearsall’s season ends
Reporting by Kyle Madson, Niners Wire / Niners Wire
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By Kyle Madson, Niners Wire | USA TODAY Network
