Free agency is still in full swing, and the New England Patriots were listed as a best fit for a play-making receiver. Bleacher Report’s Gary Davenport put together a list of the best free agent fits for teams with salary cap space. Patriots still have $35.7 million on the books, and Davenport believes Deebo Samuel could be what the Patriots need.
Samuel recorded 72 catches for 727 yards and five touchdowns last season with the Washington Commanders. He also carried the football 17 times for 75 yards and a touchdown. The receiver was thought to be a playmaker from the commander’s offense when he signed with the team. He was able to show that in spurts last year.
Now, Davenport believes that Samuel would be a solid fit with the Patriots.
Deebo Samuel’s best days are likely behind him. He isn’t going to surpass 1,400 receiving yards or score 14 touchdowns 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 for Drake Maye and a movable chess piece for offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels.
Many remember Samuel from his days with the San Francisco 49ers. The playmaker was dynamic for the organization. He gave the 49ers a multi-faceted playmaker on many levels. His ability to catch as well as run with the football made him a dangerous weapon in the 49ers’ offense. He recorded 334 receptions for 4792 yards and 22 touchdowns. Samuel was a monster on the ground as well, recording 1,143 rushing yards and 20 rushing touchdowns on 200 carries.
Potential Patriots Target Was A Playmaker
Samuel also set some records in the process. In 2021, he set the all-time NFL record for rushing touchdowns in a single season by a wide receiver with eight. In October 2024, he became the first wide receiver in NFL history to reach 20 career receiving and rushing touchdowns.
The 2021 season saw him reach his highest levels of performance. He tallied 77 receptions for 1,405 yards and six touchdowns over the course of 16 games. He also rushed 59 times for 365 yards and eight touchdowns. He was a first-team all-Pro that year. Samuel also led the NFL in yards per reception with 18.2.
In terms of production, the 49ers’ days may be behind him. Injuries have caught up with him. Most recently, he suffered a lingering heel bruise in early October last year. This caused him to be out for the Commanders’ Week 7 Game against the Dallas Cowboys.
Even still, Samuel could be a cheap option for a Patriots’ wide receiver room that needs more production. They addressed the room this off-season, signing Romeo Doubs. However, they certainly need one or two more playmakers. There has been speculation that the Patriots may reunite with Stefon Diggs. However, that is not a guarantee.
Reward Could Outweigh Risk For Patriots
Samuel could offer a cheap option for the organization. This can also give him a chance to get back to the player he once was. Injuries will always be the lingering question with Samuel. However, a healthy player would be able to give the Patriots a low-risk, potentially high-reward option.
The Patriots could be in a unique position for A. J. Brown. It seems as though we will be waiting until June to hear what the Philadelphia Eagles want to do with Brown. In the meantime, the Patriots could add Samuel to help bolster their wide receiver room, as they look to make continued noise in the AFC.
NFL Writer Tabs Patriots as Best Match for Dynamic Playmaker