Fans shouldn't get too excited about potential Deebo Samuel-49ers reunion

The San Francisco 49ers face no shortage of pressing roster questions this offseason, and one of the biggest is a hard reality their wide receiver room might be awfully thin.

Brandon Aiyuk is as good as gone, while Jauan Jennings and Kendrick Bourne are both pending free agents. That leaves the oft-injured Ricky Pearsall and Demarcus Robinson as the lone established players with any name recognition, while fringe receivers like Jordan Watkins and Jacob Cowing wait in the folds.

So, perhaps, it's not too far-fetched to think the Niners would entertain a reunion with one of their former stars, Washington Commanders wideout Deebo Samuel.

Samuel's exit from San Francisco last offseason wasn't without drama. The 2021 first-team All-Pro requested a trade and was granted it, indicating a highlight point in which the 49ers front office wanted to cut costs despite taking on a significant dead-money cap hit in the process.

Washington bit, sending a fifth-round draft pick back in exchange.

With Samuel ticketed to free agency, and the Commanders also looking to get younger and cheaper this offseason, is there a possible reunion between the dual-threat receiver and his original team?

Deebo Samuel-49ers reunion sounds nice but is far from reality

Speaking to Kay Adams of the Up & Adams Show, All-Pro running back Christian McCaffrey openly declared how everyone in the Niners locker room would welcome Deebo back without question.

"Deebo's one of my favorite guys I've ever played with," McCaffrey said. "We all love Deebo. Our whole staff loves Deebo. All of the players on the team love Deebo. We love Deebo."

Indeed, even head coach Kyle Shanahan and general manager John Lynch acknowledged just how tough it was to grant Samuel his trade request last offseason, yet it was an indication both parties were willing to move on from each other.

That's a primary reason why a reunion seems unlikely.

At 30 years old, Samuel is well removed from the unbelievable 1,770-yard campaign he displayed back in 2021 when he was truly a legitimate threat as both a receiver and rusher. Coming off an OK first-year effort in Washington in which he logged 727 receiving yards but only 75 rushing, it's probably safe to say he's moved into the stage of his career where he's a solid No. 2 pass-catching option but little more.

Granted, San Francisco could use that kind of assistance this offseason, especially if Jennings departs.

However, Samuel also likely sees this offseason as his last best chance to cash in on a lucrative contract, and the 49ers probably don't view themselves as the team to dish out such a deal to him this offseason. Plus, previous injury and weight concerns still loom.

While McCaffrey and others may like the idea, that's probably where the would-be reunion will end.