New England Patriots wide receiver Kendrick Bourne (Image via Getty)
The New England Patriots still need a clear No. 1 wide receiver going into the 2026 season. Right now, most of the talk is about a possible trade for AJ Brown. But that move is not easy to complete.
Philadelphia does not want to take on a big cap hit before June 1, which makes a deal harder to finalize.Because of that, the Patriots are also looking at other options. If the trade does not happen, they could turn to free agency. Deebo Samuel is one of the main names to watch. He is now a free agent after his short run with Washington ended. For a young team led by Drake Maye, adding an experienced player like Samuel could make sense.
How a Deebo Samuel Deal Becomes the New England Patriots’ Backup Plan
The New England Patriots’ plan is simple. They first try to trade for AJ Brown. He is a top receiver and has past links with people in the Patriots setup. But the Eagles are not eager to move him right now because of money issues tied to his contract.If the trade talks slow down or the price becomes too high, New England can move to free agency. Samuel is available after his deal with Washington Commanders ended, leaving a $12.3 million dead-cap hit behind for the Commanders.
Deebo Samuel is expected to get around $15 to $18 million per year. Still, he could take a shorter deal worth about $12 to $15 million a year for two or three seasons. That kind of deal would help both sides. The Patriots get flexibility, and Samuel gets a chance to play for a team that needs him.This also fits with Drake Maye’s rookie contract, which runs through 2028. The Patriots can use Samuel now and decide later what to do at the position.
New England Patriots’ Wide Receiver Situation Lacks a True No. 1 Option
Deebo Samuel of San Francisco 49ers (Image via Getty)
New England’s current wide receiver group is young but does not have a clear top player. • Starters: Romeo Doubs, Kayshon Boutte • Key depth: Mack Hollins, DeMario Douglas, Kyle Williams, Efton Chism III, Jeremiah Webb, John Jiles • Tight ends: Hunter Henry, CJ Dippre, Julian Hill, Marshall LangThere is no clear No. 1 receiver here. The group focuses more on speed and routes than strength after the catch. With Stefon Diggs no longer on the team, the need for a proven player is clear.
Washington Commanders Move On as Deebo Samuel Hits Free Agency
Washington Commanders are moving in a different direction. The team has already taken the cap hit from Samuel’s contract, so letting him leave is the easier choice.The Commanders are expected to build around players like Terry McLaurin, Luke McCaffrey, and Jaylin Lane. The team wants younger and faster options. Paying a 30-year-old receiver does not fit that plan.
Why Deebo Samuel Fits What New England Needs
Deebo Samuel brings a skill set the Patriots do not have right now.
He can catch, run, and create yards after the catch.He has averaged 13.6 yards per catch in his career. He also has more than 1,200 rushing yards and 21 rushing touchdowns. That makes him different from most wide receivers.In 2025, he had 72 catches for 727 yards and five touchdowns with Washington. He also added 75 rushing yards and one touchdown. These numbers are lower than his peak, but he can still produce.For Drake Maye, having a player like Samuel would help a lot.
He can turn short passes into big gains and make things easier for a young quarterback.
What Deebo Samuel Gains From a Move to New England
Deebo Samuel would get a fresh start in New England. He would likely be one of the main targets in the offense.His 2021 season showed how good he can be when used well. Even if he does not reach that level again, he can still play an important role.A short deal also works in his favor. He can play well, then look for another contract later.
Deebo Samuel 2025 Season Stats
| Stat Category | 2025 (WAS) | Notes |
| Games Played (GP) | 16 | |
| Targets | ~110-115* | 72 catches implies high target volume |
| Receptions | 72 | |
| Receiving Yards | 727 | |
| Receiving TDs | 5 | |
| Yards Per Catch | 10.1 | Career low, role-adjusted season |
| Rushing Attempts | 17 | |
| Rushing Yards | 75 | |
| Rushing TDs | 1 |
Deebo Samuel Career Production Snapshot
| Stat Category | Samuel Career | Notes |
| Games Played | 97 | |
| Receptions | 406 | |
| Receiving Yards | 5,519 | |
| Receiving TDs | 27 | |
| Yards Per Catch | 13.6 | |
| Rushing Attempts | 219 | |
| Rushing Yards | 1,218 | |
| Rushing TDs | 21 | Most by a WR |
Pros and Cons of Signing Deebo Samuel
Pros • Gives the Patriots a clear top receiver • Strong after-the-catch ability • Can also contribute in the running game • Short deal keeps future options open • Helps a young quarterback with easier playsCons • Age is a concern at 30 • Recent numbers are lower than before • Injury history is a risk • Could affect roles in the offense • Money could be used elsewhere
Overall Impact on All Teams Involved
New England Patriots
The New England Patriots would get the most benefit. They add a proven player without giving up draft picks.
Deebo Samuel
Samuel gets a clear role and a chance to rebuild his value.
Washington Commanders
Washington keeps cap space and focuses on younger players.
My Final Take on the Patriots-Deebo Samuel Scenario
This move comes down to balance. Trading for AJ Brown would cost more. Signing Deebo Samuel is a smaller risk.For the New England Patriots, it improves the offense without giving up future assets. For Samuel, it is a chance to prove himself again. For Washington, it closes a short chapter and allows a reset.If the AJ Brown trade does not happen, Samuel could quickly become one of New England’s main targets in free agency.
