SANTA CLARA – Deebo Samuel, traded away a year ago, technically could return to the 49ers as a free agent next week.
The team also may want no part of a reunion with the 2021 All-Pro, even as their wide receiver unit is facing uncertainty with Jauan Jennings, a pending free agent, and Brandon Aiyuk, last season’s missing man.
Samuel, 30, is one of many ex-49ers who will hit the open market, including several defensive linemen to bolster one of the NFL’s least productive units last season.
The 49ers, under coach Kyle Shanahan and general manager John Lynch, have not shied away from bringing back castoffs.
“We’ve got opportunities to improve ourselves by either bringing back some of the players who have been with us, or go find new guys that fit who we want to be and what we want to be both in free agency and in the draft,” Lynch said at last week’s NFL scouting combine.
Last season, wide receiver Kendrick Bourne and defensive end Clelin Ferrell returned, as did defensive coordinator Robert Saleh for his second stint and running back Jeff Wilson Jr. for a training camp spell.
Others who have made or attempted second stints include wide receiver Mohamed Sanu (2021), defensive end Kerry Hyder Jr. (2022) and cornerback Jason Verrett (2023).
Free agency talks commence next Monday, and contracts can be signed as soon as March 11.
Here are potential free agents that could circle back to Levi’s Stadium, with potentially more via upcoming roster cuts:
Wide receiver: Deebo Samuel (Commanders), Dante Pettis (Saints), Marquez Valdes-Scantling (Steelers), Isaiah Hodgins (Giants).
Defensive end: Leonard Floyd (Falcons), Arden Key (Titans), Charles Omenihu (Chiefs), Drake Jackson (Commanders), Trevis Gipson (Panthers)
Quarterback: Jimmy Garoppolo (Rams), Trey Lance (Chargers), Brandon Allen (Titans)
Running back: Raheem Mostert (Raiders), Ameer Abdullah (Colts), Salvon Ahmed (Colts)
Offensive tackle: Trent Brown (Texans), Charlie Heck (Bucs), Justin Skule (Vikings), Matt Pryor (Eagles)
Guard: Daniel Brunskill (Dolphins)
Defensive tackle: Javon Hargrave (Vikings; release expected), Kentavius Street (Falcons), Sheldon Day (Commanders)
Linebacker: Demetrius Flannigan-Fowles (Giants)
Cornerback: Ahkello Witherspoon (Rams), Isaiah Oliver (Jets), Nick McCloud (Bears), Rock Ya-Sin (Lions)
Safety: Jimmie Ward (Texans; release expected), George Odum (Colts)
Punter: Mitch Wishnowsky (Bills)
Kicker: Joey Slye (Titans)
