Before the San Francisco 49ers lost Ricky Pearsall due to season-ending surgery, there was just speculation about whether Deebo Samuel would return to the Bay Area. At that time, reporting came out that Samuel was supposedly upset the Niners had signed Mike Evans.
This came from Matt Maiocco of NBC Sports Bay Area, who is very plugged into the team, so there’s reason to believe what he reported. That’s why my gut reaction was that the Niners should avoid a reunion because it could lead to some sort of friction or drama between Samuel and Evans.
To the veteran’s credit, Evans made sure to squash the potential for any beef before it began.
Here is what Evans had to say to the media after Samuel officially signed with San Francisco:
“Deebo is my guy. I met him at the Pro Bowl in 2021. We hit it off. We were hanging out all week. I love the way he plays the game. I think he’s gonna bring what he brought before to the team. Energy. Versatility. Hell of a pickup for us.”
Mike Evans' comments on Deebo Samuel are no surprise
One wouldn’t expect anything different from Evans. He is an absolute breath of fresh air for a franchise that has had enough wide receiver drama in the last five years between Samuel and Brandon Aiyuk to last the rest of the century.
It’s going to be an interesting dynamic to watch between Evans and Samuel this season, though. When Deebo was at his peak with the Niners, he was the top dog in that wide receiver room for years. Things have changed since he left, and that’s no longer the case.
The early reports are that Samuel is up for whatever and is open to being a returner, a cornerback, or being used however the Niners see fit. If he truly knows that he’s not WR1 anymore, then things should go swimmingly, and there shouldn’t be any drama. But if he starts demanding the ball or creating distractions like he did in his last season with San Francisco, then there will be problems.
At the end of the day, though, bringing Samuel back was necessary. The 49ers need the depth he brings to the table, and given how injuries tend to ravage the roster, there’s a good chance San Francisco will need all six or seven receivers it carries to make an impact this season.
Thankfully, Evans set the right tone from jump, which should calm any fears of problems between he and Samuel. In a best-case scenario, they both stay healthy, have great years and help the Niners have a high-powered offense.
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