While San Francisco 49ers fans know too well how wide receiver Deebo Samuel suffered a gradual decline ever since his impeccable 2021 All-Pro campaign, it remains something of a shock he's still a free agent after his one-year tenure with the Washington Commanders in 2025.
There's been plenty of speculation about Samuel's next team in 2026, including a brief suggestion the Niners would entertain a reunion. But the likelihood of that is awfully slim after San Francisco onboarded Mike Evans and Christian Kirk via free agency, then used its top pick in last April's draft on De'Zhaun Stribling.
That led to (gross) suggestions of Samuel potentially joining a familiar offense, like that of the Los Angeles Rams or even the Seattle Seahawks—an added motivation of getting to face his former 49ers squad at least twice a year.
Samuel's eventual landing spot likely won't be determined until teams kick off training camp later this summer, providing coaching staffs with the opportunity to examine their own offenses and wide receiver rooms to determine if there's a need.
And while there'll be ongoing speculation about his future, another player might be emerging as a potential suitor.
Chiefs might be getting in on Deebo Samuel free-agent sweepstakes
The Las Vegas Raiders, too, have frequently been tabbed as a Samuel destination, and Vegas certainly checks off the boxes: an immediate need, head coach Klint Kubiak's offense, etc.
Yet the Raiders are in all-out rebuild mode, and at 30 years old, it's unknown whether or not Samuel would entertain going to a bottom-feeding squad while opportunities with contenders remain.
One contender, the Kansas City Chiefs, could easily insert itself into the mix.
FanSided's Wynston Wilcox recently broke down why Samuel to K.C. would make far too much sense:
This feels like too obvious of a move for Kansas City to pass up on. I say this because they need receiver help badly and with Samuel’s ability to create both out of the backfield and as a receiver, it could be what gives this offense life. Patrick Mahomes had to do a lot last season and it ultimately led to him getting knocked out with an injury. They already beefed up their running back room with Kenneth Walker III and now adding Samuel would mean Mahomes has real receiver help. Until Rashee Rice gets his off-the-field version of himself figured out, he’ll be a liability. Xavier Worthy is still a work in progress so getting immediate help is the only thing that will begin to solve these offensive woes.
Indeed, Rice's legal issues are concerning, and Kansas City doesn't exactly boast an array of supplemental help in case those drag out. Plus, after a frustrating 6-11 finish a year ago, Kansas City should be eager to add talent in order to pry back open its Super Bowl window and continue its dynasty.
Samuel, despite being past his prime, could still help those efforts in a major way.
True, seeing Samuel in a Chiefs uniform would be gross for many a Niners fan, especially as the wide back had to suffer two Super Bowl losses at K.C.'s expense since joining the league in 2019.
But going to the AFC West would certainly be an easier pill to swallow for San Francisco fans as opposed to Samuel joining either the Rams or Seahawks.
Add us as a preferred source on Google