Patriots free agency proposal would add former $71 million All-Pro receiver instead of A.J. Brown

The New England Patriots are still hunting for another dynamic receiver to pair with Romeo Doubs, and though the team will continue to be connected to A.J. Brown in a potential trade with the Philadelphia Eagles, one NFL analyst believes New England should shift their focus to signing a former All-Pro playmaker still on the free agency market.

Bleacher Report's Gary Davenport lists the Patriots as the best fit for Washington Commanders free agent wide receiver Deebo Samuel.

"The Patriots are a talented team expected to again be a force in the AFC, the skill-position talent could still use an upgrade. Given New England's status as a legitimate Super Bowl contender, Samuel may be willing to sacrifice some salary for a chance to play in a second Super Bowl," Davenport wrote.

Samuel doesn't possess the same burst and explosiveness he once did with the San Francisco 49ers, but the veteran is still a capable player and can be a solid starting receiver.

Despite dealing with inconsistent quarterback play in Washington in 2025, the 30-year-old tallied 72 receptions for 727 yards and five touchdowns in 2025.

If New England fails to land Brown from the Eagles or doesn't want to wait till June 1 to strike a deal with Philadelphia, signing Samuel would be a logical backup plan.

A receiver duo of Doubs and Samuel would give New England's offense the perfect amount of speed, route-running, big-play ability, and experience on the perimeter.

Samuel would be a fantastic security blanket for quarterback Drake Maye, and though he isn't necessarily a surefire serious threat anymore, the South Carolina product can still stretch the field at an above-average level.

The Patriots still have around $35 million in cap space. Samuel shouldn't be too expensive to sign, and he would immediately step in as a starter.

Adding Samuel to the receiver room to pair with Doubs and Kayshon Boutte is something Executive Vice President of Player Personnel Eliot Wolf should look into.

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