George Kittle Has a Warning for Anyone Doubting Deebo Samuel Ahead of 2026 Season

Deebo Samuel will start for the Niners in week one opener against the Rams in Australia.

George Kittle Has a Warning for Anyone Doubting Deebo Samuel Ahead of 2026 Season

Deebo Samuel and George Kittle inside the circle (Image via IMAGO)

Deebo Samuel turned 30 in January. Right around this time, most wide receivers tend to decline in their game. But George Kittle believes Samuel still has a lot left in the tank.

Samuel left the Niners ahead of the 2025 NFL season. He started games for the Washington Commanders. But decided to return to home ground in search of his first ring.

However, many doubt whether Samuel can rediscover his past form that made him a fan favorite. Tight end George Kittle has complete faith in his teammate.

Deebo [Samuel] at his best is a Deebo who people doubt, and you can just tell by the work he’s put in this offseason, how he looks at training camp, he’s got that chip on his shoulder and I think he’s ready to go show who Deebo Samuel is again.

George Kittle said in an interview with NBCS Bay Area

At offseason camp, Samuel showed he did not lose his step while he was away. In fact, Kittle disclosed that Deebo becomes a different person when he puts on his pads.

Every time you put on pads, you’re like, ‘Oh, this guy, he’s one block away from a 70-yard touchdown.’ And the more of those guys you can add to your roster, the better. And I think Deebo is just going to be so great for us this year.

Kittle said

The Niners drafted Deebo Samuel 36th overall in 2019. In his first stint in the Bay Area, Samuel played 81 games, earned one Pro Bowl and an All-Pro selection.

In 2022, he signed a three-year, $73.5 million contract extension with the Niners. The contract ended after the 2024 season. Instead of an extension, the Niners traded Samuel to the Commanders for a fifth-round selection.

RELATED
Michael Penix Jr.’s Reaction to Tua Tagovailoa Being Named Falcons’ QB1

49ers icon backs Deebo Samuel to be hit in 2026

Before taking any snaps for the Commanders, Samuel was fat-shamed on social media. He ignored it and played his game. Samuel recorded just 802 scrimmage yards, his lowest total since an injury-shortened 2020 campaign. Washington missed the playoffs. As the Commanders showed no signs of extending his contract, Samuel opted to return to the 49ers.

George Kittle Has a Warning for Anyone Doubting Deebo Samuel Ahead of 2026 Season
Deebo Samuel (Image via IMAGO)

Samuel signed a one-year, $7 million contract with the Niners. Even though some critics aren’t sold on Samuel being the missing piece in the Niners’ offense, veteran offensive tackle and club captain Trent Williams has Samuel’s back.

Everybody knows as soon as you see him, he’s in a different type of shape. Probably the best shape I’ve seen him in since I’ve known him. And I know he’s coming from a situation where he feels people doubt his ability, and I think he’s a dangerous player without anybody doubting him. So you put that extra doubt to him, that extra fuel to his fire; I think he’s going to be a lot better,” Williams said in August.

Trent Williams said

Samuel’s two best NFL campaigns have come within Kyle Shanahan’s system. In 2021, he had 77 receptions for 1405 yards, a league-leading 18.2 yards per catch, and scored 6 touchdowns. Two years later, he caught 60 passes for 892 yards and scored 7 touchdowns as WR2 behind Brandon Aiyuk.

So, now the question arises: which version of Deebo Samuel will Niners fans witness in Melbourne when their team takes on rivals the Los Angeles Rams? At the very least, he won’t have to carry the team’s offense alone. He will have help from Kittle, Brock Purdy, Christian McCaffrey, and Mike Evans.

Also Read: