The 30-year-old wideout spent last season with the Washington Commanders after being traded from San Francisco 49ers, catching 72 passes for 727 yards and five touchdowns in what was a functional but unremarkable year behind inconsistent quarterback play and a team that finished 5-12.
Washington voided his contract this offseason and Samuel hit the market, where he has remained unsigned as teams fill their rosters around him.
With training camp approaching, the window for a meaningful landing spot is narrowing, and three destinations stand out as the best remaining fits.
Los Angeles Chargers
NFL.com's Matt Okada identified the Los Angeles Chargers as the best available fit for Samuel, and the coaching connection is the primary reason.
New Chargers offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel was the offensive coordinator in San Francisco during Samuel's 2021 All-Pro campaign, when Samuel earned a 90.2 PFF overall grade and established himself as one of the most dangerous do-it-all weapons in the league.
🚨 Los Angeles #Chargers reportely have interest in #Commanders FA Deebo Samuel #Boltup pic.twitter.com/7EwMVj4vfO
— NFL Rumors (@nflrums) April 30, 2026
McDaniel knows exactly how to deploy Samuel, and Samuel already knows the system inside and out.
Los Angeles has the cap space to be aggressive and a receiver room that took a step back last season with Ladd McConkey having a down year and Quentin Johnston still not establishing himself as a true WR1.
Samuel gives the Chargers a physical, versatile option who can line up everywhere and stress defenses in ways no one currently on their roster can.
San Francisco 49ers
The reunion angle has been discussed since Samuel first hit the market, and it still makes genuine sense.
The San Francisco 49ers traded Samuel to Washington in a financially motivated move, not because they stopped valuing what he brings.
Brandon Aiyuk is departing and Jauan Jennings has yet to sign with anyone, leaving Kyle Shanahan's receiver room with real questions heading into the season.
Free agency has been open, the draft has come and gone with 36 total receivers being selected and Deebo Samuel is still out there as a free agent.
— The Goal Line Grind (@theGLgrind) April 30, 2026
Samuel's last season of real relevance came in 2021 where he posted 1,750 total yards with 14 tds. Since then, Deebo as surpassed… pic.twitter.com/v873t0fvsX
George Kittle is dealing with an Achilles injury that could sideline him for part of the year, which removes another key piece from an offense that depends on multiple receiving options to function at its best.
Samuel already has chemistry with Brock Purdy, already knows Shanahan's system completely, and would provide immediate continuity on a team trying to get back to championship contention.
A WR1 role in San Francisco is a realistic offer given the circumstances, something the Commanders never truly gave him.
Las Vegas Raiders
The Las Vegas Raiders spent the first overall pick on Fernando Mendoza and need to give their new franchise quarterback every possible advantage heading into his rookie season.
Their current projected starting receiver group of Jalen Nailor, Tre Tucker, and Jack Bech is one of the thinner rooms in the league, and Samuel is exactly the kind of veteran Swiss-Army knife weapon that can help a young quarterback with how versatile he is on the field.
Las Vegas has cap space and a real need at the position, and Samuel would immediately be the most accomplished receiver on their roster.
The price tag will almost certainly be well below the numbers he commanded in his prime, which makes this a low-risk, high-upside addition for a rebuilding organization that cannot afford to leave a young quarterback without credible weapons around him.
Photo Credit: Eric Hartline-Imagn Images
