49ers’ Special Teams Coach reacts to Deebo Samuel reunion: ‘He’s a Difference Maker’

San Francisco’s reunion with Deebo Samuel has generated plenty of excitement throughout the organization, and 49ers special teams coordinator Brant Boyer isn’t hiding how he feels about getting one of the NFL’s most dynamic playmakers back in the building.

Speaking with reporters at training camp, Boyer lit up when asked about Samuel’s return after the veteran wide receiver agreed to a one-year, $7 million deal to rejoin the franchise that drafted him in the second round of the 2019 NFL Draft.

When asked whether Samuel could become the team’s kickoff returner, Boyer made it clear he was thrilled simply to have the versatile veteran back on the roster.

“Certainly when they told me that he was coming I was like, ‘Hell yeah. Let’s go.’ Because he is a difference maker,” Boyer said. “He’s obviously proven, and he’s done it at a very, very high level.”

Ahhh feels good to have him back 😏 pic.twitter.com/wsvdtdyP0G

— San Francisco 49ers (@49ers) August 1, 2026

More on Deebo Samuel

Deebo Samuel spent six seasons with San Francisco before being traded to the Washington Commanders ahead of the 2025 season. Even in an injury-affected offense that saw quarterback Jayden Daniels miss time, Samuel remained productive, catching 72 passes for 727 yards and five touchdowns.

Now back with Kyle Shanahan’s offense, Boyer believes Samuel’s physical running style and explosiveness could have an immediate impact on special teams if called upon.

“I’ve watched him and really liked what he’s done throughout his career, liked him coming out of college. He’s a hell of a player, and he’s really tough to tackle. He’s got speed to take it to the house all the time. Again, any time you can add a guy like that to the roster, you’re jumping up for joy as a special teams coach.”

TAMPA, FLORIDA – NOVEMBER 10: Deebo Samuel Sr. #1 of the San Francisco 49ers warms up prior to the game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium on November 10, 2024 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Julio Aguilar/Getty Images)

While Deebo Samuel grabbed the headlines, Boyer also discussed San Francisco’s ongoing competition at punter. Jack Bouwmeester and the team’s other punter continue to split reps as the coaching staff searches for consistency before the preseason.

“They’re both doing a nice job. Both have strong legs. It’s just the consistency that you look for,” Boyer said. “That’s going to be the key is how do they perform in the preseason games.”

Boyer added that game situations—not practice—will ultimately determine who wins the job.

The special teams coordinator also praised newly signed defensive lineman Titus Leo, noting that players with experience on special teams are valuable because “those guys are damn hard to block,” while highlighting an open competition for punt return duties featuring Jacob Cowling, Will Pauling, Jordan Watkins and Junior Bergen.

Still, the biggest takeaway from Boyer’s media session was unmistakable. The 49ers didn’t just bring back an experienced receiver—they reunited with a player Boyer believes can change games whenever the ball is in his hands.

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• 49ers DC Raheem Morris raves about Fred Warner, Dre Greenlaw & Nick Bosa
• Brock Purdy calls throwing to Mike Evans ‘surreal’ as 49ers begin Training Camp
• Could the 49ers reunite with Deebo Samuel?

Upcoming San Francisco 49ers Schedule

Preseason

• Thursday, August 13th – vs. Tennessee Titans – 6:00 pm PT
• Thursday, August 20th – @ Los Angeles Chargers – 7:00 pm PT
• Thursday, August 27th – @ Las Vegas Raiders – 5:00 pm PT

Regular Season

• Thursday, September 10th – vs. Los Angeles Rams in Melbourne, Australia (Season Opener) – 5:35 pm PT
• Sunday, September 20th – vs. Miami Dolphins – 1:25 pm PT
• Sunday, September 27th – vs. Arizona Cardinals – 1:05 pm PT
• Sunday, October 4th – vs. Denver Broncos – 1:25 pm PT

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