The San Francisco 49ers made a notable splash just days into training camp by bringing back an old friend, wide receiver Deebo Samuel, who had requested a trade a year ago from the only team he had known up to that point but is now coming back after a one-year stint with the Washington Commanders.
There's been speculation of a possible reunion for some time now, but unfortunate news surrounding fellow receiver Ricky Pearsall and his injury situation certainly gave better context to the signing.
Either way, the Niners are certainly "getting the band back together."
And tight end George Kittle couldn't be happier about it.
George Kittle has 1-word response to 49ers re-signing Deebo Samuel
Kittle took to Twitter/X not long after news broke about Samuel's return, and the tight end's response was about as predictable as could be:
Deeeeeebbbboooo @19problemz
— George Kittle (@gkittle46) July 31, 2026
"Deeeeeebbbboooo," Kittle posted, tagging his friend with whom he played from Samuel's 2019 rookie season through 2024.
Earlier this offseason, Kittle even joked about the would-be reunion in light of Samuel spending time with several Niners players and coaches at non-football events.
Perhaps Kittle did know more than most fans and analysts.
Granted, the reunion doesn't help San Francisco lower its roster's average age at all—Samuel turned 30 years old last January. But, with Pearsall banged up and the 49ers needing a proven go-to option to pair with Mike Evans, it's hard not to get excited about Deebo's return, even if many feel the dual-threat weapon hasn't been anything close to his 2021 All-Pro form in the years that followed.
Still, one can't help but have fond memories of how both Kittle and Samuel teamed up as offensive threats for years before the latter ultimately wanted out.
Only to return, much to Kittle's excitement and joy.
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