Could the 49ers reunite with Deebo Samuel?

The San Francisco 49ers enter training camp with renewed expectations after an aggressive offseason, but plenty of questions remain.

ESPN’s Nick Wagoner joined Sactown Sports’ The Matt & Kayla Show to break down the biggest storylines facing Kyle Shanahan’s team, from Brandon Aiyuk’s uncertain future to whether a reunion with Deebo Samuel makes any sense.

While Aiyuk continues to generate headlines, Wagner doesn’t believe the 49ers are allowing the situation to become a distraction.

“I just don’t think they really care that much,” Wagner said. “I just kind of think he’s persona non grata.”

Instead, Wagner believes San Francisco’s focus is on getting back into contention after reshaping the roster with experienced veterans while expecting significant growth from its younger players.

SANTA CLARA, CALIFORNIA – SEPTEMBER 29: Brandon Aiyuk #11 of the San Francisco 49ers catches a pass in the first quarter against the New England Patriots at Levi’s Stadium on September 29, 2024 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)

“If they’re going to have another good season, those guys need to take a bigger step forward and be better than they were last year as rookies,” Wagner explained.

One of the offseason’s biggest talking points has been whether Deebo Samuel could eventually return to the Bay Area after remaining unsigned. Wagner isn’t completely closing the door, but he doesn’t see an obvious fit with the current roster.

“I am someone who never says never to anything,” Wagner said. “I just don’t know what the fit is right now.”

The 49ers already have Mike Evans, Christian Kirk, Ricky Pearsall and rookie De’Zhaun Stribling competing for targets, making it difficult to envision where Samuel would slot into the offense unless injuries create an opening later in the season.

Defensively, Wagner believes one of the most impactful additions may be defensive tackle Osa Odighizuwa. While the signing didn’t generate as much attention as Evans, Wagner expects Odighizuwa to address one of San Francisco’s biggest weaknesses from last season: interior pass rush.

“Their pass rush last year was essentially non-existent, but it was especially non-existent when it came to the interior,” Wagner said.

Fred Warner #54 of the San Francisco 49ers reacts during the NFL 2025 game between San Francisco 49ers and New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome on September 14, 2025 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images)

He also emphasized that few players are more valuable to the franchise than linebacker Fred Warner, calling him one of the NFL’s most important defenders because of everything he contributes beyond the stat sheet.

“Fred Warner is probably one of the three or four most valuable players in the league” on defense, Wagner said, citing his leadership, communication and ability to function as an on-field defensive coordinator.

Ultimately, Wagner believes the 49ers still possess enough star power to compete in what may be the NFL’s toughest division.

If Brock Purdy stays healthy, the revamped supporting cast develops quickly, and the defense improves under Raheem Morris, San Francisco has every opportunity to challenge the Rams and defending Super Bowl champion Seahawks for the NFC West crown.

Check out the full conversation at the top of the page or by heading over to the Sactown Sports YouTube channel.

Listen to and watch Sactown Sports’ The Matt & Kayla Show with Matt George & Kayla Anderson, airing weekdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. PT on Sactown Sports.

More NFL content from Sactown Sports

• 49ers’ Kyle Shanahan to be limited in camp after serious car crash
• 49ers Training Camp: Health, Brock Purdy & the Aging Core Take Center Stage
• 49ers Announce 2026 Open Training Camp Dates
• ESPN insider on QB Brock Purdy’s 2026 outlook & Brandon Aiyuk’s future

Upcoming San Francisco 49ers Schedule

• Late July 2026 – NFL Training Camps open
• 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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