The New England Patriots are in the market for a go-to receiver for new franchise quarterback Drake Maye, and a versatile All-Pro option may be available on the trading block in the offseason.
Maye took over the starting job from Jacoby Brissett in Week 6 in 2024 and went on to throw for 2,276 yards and 15 touchdowns in 13 games (12 starts). He posted a 3-9 record as the starter with a 66.6% completion percentage. He’s expected to retain the job for the Patriots in 2025. However, the front office needs to prioritize restocking the cupboards to ensure that Maye develops going forward.
Patriots Projected To Trade for Deebo Samuel Sr. in Blockbuster Move
The Patriots are barren at the wide receiver spot, with tight end Hunter Henry leading the team in targets (97), receptions (66, tied with DeMario Douglas), and receiving yards (674). New England’s top wideout was Douglas — 66 catches for 621 yards — with Kayshon Boutte ranking third in yards.
It’s not a strong group. Hence, the Patriots are strongly rumored to be in the market for a shiny new pass-catching weapon for Maye. One name to track in the coming weeks is Deebo Samuel Sr.
The one-time Pro Bowler is expected to be available after he was granted permission to seek a trade. The Patriots make a ton of sense, according to Ryan McLaughlin of Musket Fire. He proposed a three-team trade on Day 3 of the 2025 NFL Draft that sends Samuel to New England.
SEE MORE: New England Patriots Depth Chart
“Deebo Samuel of the San Francisco 49ers isn’t the best wideout potentially available via trade this year,” wrote McLaughlin. “His 51 catches last season were his fewest since 2020, and he was a forgotten man in the Niners offense for long stretches. But those depressed numbers have also depressed Samuel’s asking price.
“Trade for Samuel. Sign another wideout in free agency. Consider a trade back from No. 4 overall if it means adding another first-rounder. Hit the offensive line hard. All those things are doable, and they would give quarterback Drake Maye a fighting chance in 2025.”
The 49ers have granted Deebo Samuel and his agent Tory Dandy permission to find a trade partner for the wide receiver, Samuel told ESPN. This comes after Samuel asked San Francisco to trade him during the players’ exit meetings after the season.
“It was a hard conversation to… pic.twitter.com/uuEsxgFHIJ
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) February 9, 2025
Samuel had a down year in 2024, finishing with 51 catches for 670 yards and three touchdowns. His 136 rushing yards were his lowest output since an injury-plagued 2020 season. The former South Carolina Gamecocks star also turned 29 years old on Jan. 15, meaning he will be 30 by the end of the 2025 season.
Samuel Expected To Draw Multiple Suitors
The trade winds have been blowing around Samuel for the past few offseasons in San Francisco so it’s not shocking to hear he wants out. This time it’s for real.
Samuel and his agent, Tory Dandy, were granted permission to seek a trade following an exit meeting with 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan back in January. No hard feelings.
“It was a hard conversation to have with Kyle because of the relationship that we have,” Samuel told ESPN’s Adam Schefter. “But I have to do what’s best. I’m more than thankful for the Niners giving me the opportunity of a lifetime but now I think it’s best that we find another team.”
ESPN reported that the 49ers restructured Samuel’s contract in September. If they trade him ahead of the June 1 cut deadline, they would absorb a $31.55 million dead cap hit. He is also due a $15.4 million option bonus on March 22, according to Nick Wagoner.
