49ers Tight End Hints at Deebo Samuel Reunion

George Kittle suggests star receiver could return to San Francisco in 2026.

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

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San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle strongly hinted that star wide receiver Deebo Samuel could return to the team in 2026 after a one-year stint elsewhere. Kittle made the comments while discussing the 49ers' potential for success in the upcoming season, suggesting that even a "rebuild year" could lead to 13 wins and a playoff victory.

Why it matters

Deebo Samuel was a key part of the 49ers' offense in recent years, making the Pro Bowl in 2021. His potential return would be a major boost for the team as they look to build on a successful 2025 campaign.

The details

In an interview, Kittle told reporters that "one message for Niners fans? Hey, if a rebuild year got us 13 wins and a win in the wild card, that's pretty good." This strongly implies that Samuel, who left the 49ers in free agency, could rejoin the team in 2026 after a one-year stint elsewhere.

  • Kittle made the comments on February 10, 2026.

The players

George Kittle

A tight end for the San Francisco 49ers who has been with the team since 2017.

Deebo Samuel

A wide receiver who played for the San Francisco 49ers from 2019 to 2025 before leaving in free agency.

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What they’re saying

“One message for Niners fans? Hey, if a rebuild year got us 13 wins and a win in the wild card, that's pretty good.”

— George Kittle, Tight End (Sports)

The takeaway

Kittle's comments suggest the 49ers could be poised for a successful 2026 season, potentially with the return of star receiver Deebo Samuel, which would be a major boost for the team's offense.