The San Francisco 49ers were forced to retool this past offseason after handing out major long-term contracts to quarterback Brock Purdy and wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk.
Unfortunately, Deebo Samuel was a cap casualty (and may have been looking for a change of scenery) and shipped to the Washington Commanders for a 2025 fifth-round pick. After a six-year career with the 49ers, the former South Carolina product was now headed to the East Coast.
Teammates in San Francisco still miss Samuel, though, and tight end George Kittle said as much in an interview with NBA legend Kevin Garnett.
George Kittle salutes Deebo Samuel for time with 49ers
On an episode of Kittle's podcast, Kittle Things, Garnett asked the Niners' tight end how he felt about his team dealing Samuel last offseason.
"I love Deebo. One of my favorite teammates of all time. He’s got the aura. He’s got the persona. He hits people. He makes all the superstar plays. I love him to death. Sometimes guys need a fresh start and I think that’s what he wanted," Kittle told Garnett.
"He wanted a change of scenery and I respect that. It is what it is. I got great years out of Deebo and have a great relationship with him. I love him for it, but if we play him I hope he doesn’t have a great game against us."
Since arriving in Washington, Samuel has found himself a role with the Commanders' offense.
Despite second-year quarterback Jayden Daniels missing a plethora of games, the former 49ers' versatile weapon has 58 catches for 534 yards and five touchdowns through 11 games.
He's also carried the ball 13 times for 49 yards and one rushing touchdown.
Samuel is slated to be a free agent in 2026, and it remains to be seen if he'll test the market or opt to return to the Commanders.
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