New England’s bottom line this offseason is simple: Put talent around quarterback Drake Maye. That means throwing darts in the trade market, spending in free agency and identifying talent in the 2025 NFL Draft. The best teams exhaust all options when their quarterback is on his rookie deal.
A trade for Deebo Samuel, who’s entering his age-29 season after a down campaign, is one way to do that.
Samuel has been given permission to find a trade partner, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter. NFL Media’s Ian Rapoport and others reported Samuel and the 49ers are gearing up for a separation.
There are reasons teams will proceed with caution when it comes to Samuel. First and foremost, his injury history brings uncertainty. Samuel’s never played a full season — he played 15 games each of the last two campaigns and routinely played dinged up. Samuel also has taken more hits than a typical wide receiver after running the ball 180 times the last four seasons in Kyle Shanahan’s offense.
The Patriots, however, don’t have the same benefits as other teams. They don’t have the same receiver rooms or skill-position talent. Samuel would arrive in New England and immediately be the team’s top offensive weapon. Past his prime? Sure. But that doesn’t mean Samuel doesn’t have something left in the tank. He’s still a better player with the ball in his hands than anyone in the Patriots locker room. He creates mismatches and works the middle of the field, both of which would be great for Maye.
Samuel also is playing on a short-term deal with one year and $17.5 million left on his three-year extension. Chances are the Patriots would try to negotiate something with more term, but even a two-year extension wouldn’t tie money up long-term. And New England, which currently has the most cap space in the league, has the finances to spend.
He also will come cheaper in a trade given his down year in 2024, age and contract. Definitely cheaper than when the Patriots had trade discussions for him ahead of the 2024 NFL Draft in April.
Samuel isn’t the same player he was during his First Team All-Pro season in 2021 when he finished with 1,400 yards receiving and scored 14 total touchdowns. But he’s still a playmaker unlike anyone New England has. He would help the Patriots accomplish their biggest offseason goal.
