Much of the focus for the Patriots' improvement of their receiving corps has focused on making a trade for the superstar they need. But that might not be the route they have to take, according to some, because Deebo Samuel is still unsigned through a month of free agency.
The Pro Bowler has been connected to New England since he was drafted, as he and AJ Brown were rumored to be top targets for the franchise, but as we know, Bill Belichick selected N'Keal Harry instead. So it's inevitable that because he's available, analysts feel he should be on their radar.
Not much has been said regarding Eliot Wolf's interest in the 30-year-old, so it's difficult to say if there is interest. But one thing is certain: NFL analysts still view him as the right addition for their 2026 season, with Bleacher Report's Gary Davenport the latest voice of reason.
He views Samuel as the one free agent who could be most helpful for their goals next season, and maybe, he's not wrong.
Deebo Samuel is one of the few remaining unsigned receivers the Patriots should consider bringing in
Of all the positions the Patriots still need to upgrade, wide receiver continues to be near the top in a lot of people's minds. They might be right, and Davenport feels that it is true with Samuel.
Although his age might not fit what the Patriots are looking for, he was still incredibly productive for the Commanders in 2025, even with starter Jayden Daniels sidelined for most of the season.
Given the kind of draft capital they'd have to give up in a trade for a player like AJ Brown, it wouldn't be a bad idea to consider signing a player instead, especially with Samuel still available.
He impressed in his first and maybe only season in Washington by recording 72 receptions for 727 yards and five touchdowns in 16 games. Samuel became one of the most reliable targets for Commanders' backup quarterbacks to use, and that is something Drake Maye could benefit from.
Maybe he's not at the top of the list of most desirable signings at this moment, but Samuel fits most of what the offense needs, and that shows he should, at the very least, be considered. We just won't know if there is any interest in Foxboro until he's signed or goes elsewhere.