49ers Re-Signed Samuel and Greenlaw
The veteran duo returned to San Francisco on one-year contracts for the 2026 season.
Updated on Oct. 2, 2026 in Football
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The 49ers welcomed back two staples of their roster as Deebo Samuel and Dre Greenlaw rejoined the team this season. The two players previously left for the Washington Commanders and the Denver Broncos, respectively.
Why it matters
The return of Samuel and Greenlaw adds experience to a 3-0 squad that has relied on its physical play style to remain undefeated. The front office brought them back after evaluating game film to ensure both players maintained the form they showed during their initial six-year tenure here.
The two veterans have rejoined the 49ers after spending their first six seasons with the team. Samuel, now 29, has posted 159 yards and two touchdowns this season, while Greenlaw has recorded 22 total tackles.
The players
Deebo Samuel
A veteran wide receiver who has returned to the 49ers after a stint with the Washington Commanders.
Dre Greenlaw
A veteran linebacker who rejoined the team following a contract with the Denver Broncos.
Dante Pettis
A wide receiver and former 2018 second-round pick who was recently signed to the 49ers practice squad.
The details
Management moved to bring the pair back following their brief stints in Washington and Denver. Alongside these returns, the team bolstered its roster by signing Dante Pettis to the practice squad on Tuesday. Pettis, a 2018 second-round draft pick, returns to the organization having played for four other teams since his initial tenure in San Francisco.
Timeline
2018: 49ers selected Dante Pettis in the NFL draft.
2019: Samuel and Greenlaw selected in the NFL draft.
2025: Samuel requested a trade from the 49ers.
2026: Samuel and Greenlaw signed one-year contracts.
September 29, 2026: 49ers signed Dante Pettis to the practice squad.
Across the Bay
The return of Samuel and Greenlaw reinforces the long-term impact of the 2019 NFL Draft class on the team's current identity. This move follows a recurring trend of the front office bringing back core talent to maintain the physical play style that defined their previous six seasons.
Fans heading to games can expect to see these familiar veterans back in the lineup immediately. Check the updated roster before your next trip to the stadium to see which active players will be available for the upcoming home stretch.
The takeaway
The return of veteran talent brings continuity to a 3-0 start, suggesting the team is prioritizing chemistry to maintain their undefeated record. Watch the practice squad usage in the coming weeks to see how depth additions like Dante Pettis integrate into the offensive rotation.
Further reading
For more on roster moves and team updates, visit Football.
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