Between the NFL’s weak group of impending free-agent receivers and a mediocre draft class of wideout prospects, the Patriots are expected to explore trades to bolster their pass-catching corps.
It remains to be seen who New England might target, but one potential addition was taken off the board Saturday.
The 49ers reportedly are set to trade Deebo Samuel to Washington in a move that was all but confirmed by the Commanders. Samuel wanted out of San Francisco, and he previously was viewed as a potential person of interest to the Patriots given his special playmaking abilities.
However, New England reportedly didn’t give serious thought about potentially acquiring the 2019 second-round pick. According to MassLive’s Mark Daniels, Mike Vrabel and company “weren’t in” on Samuel, who reportedly was acquired by the Commanders for a fifth-round draft pick.
Samuel is a fine player, but New England simply might be higher on other potential receiver reinforcements this offseason. Cooper Kupp has been made available by the Los Angeles Rams, and both DK Metcalf and Chris Olave are widely speculated to be on the trading block as well.
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All things considered, the Patriots probably won’t regret not making a strong push to land Samuel. But New England must improve Drake Maye’s arsenal of weapons this offseason, as the Pro Bowl quarterback probably won’t be able to take significant steps forward as an NFL sophomore without a better supporting cast.
