The NFL draft for the New England Patriots takes place later this month. The Patriots remain deficient in several positions that need upgrades, especially the offensive line and edge. Wide receiver is another area that needs attention, as it's been weakened by the release of the Patriots' most productive 2025 wideout, Stefon Diggs.
Daniel Fisher of NESN suggested a cost-effective addition who might serve as a one-year stopgap in Curtis Samuel.
Samuel played for the Buffalo Bills in 2025, and while he's anything but a household name, he's a 30-year-old veteran with nine years of NFL experience. While he won't have anyone in Patriot Nation doing cartwheels in celebration, he would be a depth option for Mike Vrabel's offense.
There's no doubt that with Diggs gone, Vrabel and company need a No. 1 receiver or at least a close approximation. There's been a lot of talk about a trade for the Eagles' A.J. Brown, but he'll cost a lot in draft picks. Drafting a top receiver is another option.
Signing a player like Samuel won't fill that hole, but depth is necessary, and there will always be attrition at the position due to injury.
Signing Curtis Samuel doesn't move the needle for the Patriots' offense
Samuel would be a cost-effective option, but just what the Patriots would get for any investment, including the veteran minimum, is questionable. Regardless,
NESN's Daniel Fisher sees this under-the-radar wide receiver at least as a worthwhile training camp addition.
"While (Curtis) Samuel's statistics from last season might not impress anyone — playing in six games and recording seven receptions for 81 yards and one touchdown — he could still serve as a valuable addition during training camp for New England. It’s worth seeing if he can earn a spot on the active roster.
Spotrac listed Samuel's market value at $1.8 million per year, which would be a reasonable option for the Patriots. He has accumulated 3,717 receiving yards and 24 touchdowns over 111 career games, demonstrating that he can perform well at the NFL level."
That Samuel played for the Bills is addition by subtraction, and that worked out just fine in the case of Mack Hollins and hopefully will with the recently signed fullback, Reggie Gilliam. Yet, both had better resumes coming to New England than Samuel does.
Catching seven passes for 81 yards for the Bills in six 2025 games isn't going to light any fires in Patriot Nation, no matter how little he'd cost. Rather than spending money on a receiver like Samuel, the Patriots would be better served to use that money towards paying a better player at any position of need.
They can then draft a wideout who'd probably be more productive than Samuel. The thought of a cost-effective Patriots' addition is always nice, but in this case, Samuel is a poor choice.