The 2026 offseason is in full swing for the New England Patriots. They have been active in free agency, trying to improve their roster. Whether they have done enough is another question altogether.
One position that needs help is wide receiver. Bleacher Report's Gary Davenport has suggested a familiar veteran name, free agent Deebo Samuel, as a "perfect signing", and he may be a nice replacement for Stefon Diggs, who was released.
After releasing Diggs, the Patriots signed a solid receiver from the Packers, Romeo Doubs. Doubs will slot right into the No. 2 receiver spot. Though his 2025 numbers weren't earth-shattering, he'll be better than the current No. 2, Kayshon Boutte, who managed only 33 receptions for 551 yards and six touchdowns, though some were of the spectacular variety.
Doubs had 55 catches for 724 yards and six touchdowns in 2025. He's only 25 years old, and his best football is still ahead of him. Pairing him with the Patriots' MVP-level quarterback, Drake Maye, will certainly up his game and his statistics.
Yet, even so, the team still needs a No. 1 receiver, and Samuel would fill the role better than anyone now on the roster.
Deebo Samuel would be at least a temporary No. 1 receiver for the Patriots
Bleacher Report's Gary Davenport has listed the "perfect free agent signings" for teams with lots of dough available to spend. He thinks Deebo Samuel is a great fit for the Patriots.
"...the Patriots are a talented team expected to again be a force in the AFC, the skill-position talent could still use an upgrade after the team released Stefon Diggs. Bringing in another veteran wideout could help.
Deebo Samuel's best days are likely behind him. He isn't going to surpass 1,400 receiving yards...in a season the way he did during his All-Pro 2021 year with the San Francisco 49ers. But the 30-year-old managed almost 800 total yards and scored six touchdowns with the Washington Commanders in 2025, and he would offer New England an underneath target who excels after the catch.
Samuel may be willing to sacrifice some salary for a chance to play in a second Super Bowl."
Samuel's production has fallen way off since his spectacular All-Pro 2021 season. He caught 121 passes for 1405 yards and six touchdowns for the 49ers that year.
Yet, he's still a productive receiver, and while his 72 catches for 727 yards and five touchdowns weren't as lofty as Diggs last season, he can still step into a de facto No. 2A role as the team's best receiver if he's signed.
Adding Samuel for the short term while drafting a receiver high in the draft and another later is a sensible strategy for the 2026 Patriots. Absent a mega-trade for a young veteran who'd be very costly in draft picks, signing Samuel and drafting for the future would at least guarantee a solid if unspectacular 2026 corps.