In an offseason already packed with blockbuster trades and massive extensions, San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Deebo Samuel is looking to be the latest to make headlines with a change of scenery. Samuel, who is entering the final year of his current deal, demanded a trade from the Niners on Wednesday as he searches for a new deal.
This immediately sparked speculation as to who the potential suitors would be for the star wideout and one team that should look to add him is the New England Patriots.
To be kind, the Patriots wide receiver corps could use an upgrade. Even after trading for Miami Dolphins receiver DeVante Parker, the talent Mac Jones has to work with is less than stellar in a conference that’s now loaded with high-powered offenses.
During his rookie season, Jones showed flashes of being an effective player despite his lackluster supporting cast. He helped lead the Patriots to a 10-7 record and a birth to the playoffs after missing out on the postseason during the 2020 season.
Adding Samuel would add another new dimension to the New England offense that could use a big spark of creativity. Samuel is a swiss army knife when it comes to his playstyle as he can be put at any receiving position on the field and even saw snaps at running back for Kyle Shanahan.
Although it was able to win 10 games a season ago, New England’s offense was methodical and eventually predictable and time-consuming down the stretch. Its reliance on the run game was justified given its offensive line and a career year from running back Damien Harris. But playing from behind will always be a concern when the passing attack isn’t up to the task and in today’s version of the NFL teams must be equipped to win shootouts.
Samuel would give Jones a clear top target and would help the offense take another step forward.
Sadly, given Bill Belichick’s history of securing receivers to long-term deals or even trading multiple first-round selections for top talent, it’s less than likely Samuel would end up in Foxborough.
But the league is changing, especially in an AFC that’s added high-level offensive players like Russell Wilson, Davante Adams and even Tyreek Hill joining the Patriots’ division. Offense has taken over and if teams don’t adjust they’ll be left in the dust.
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Patrick Dowd is a Reporter for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. You can follow him on Twitter, via Pat_Dowd77
