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Patriots Target Deebo Samuel Has Lower Trade Value Than Expected

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Daniel Fisher | Last updated Feb 13, 2025 1:00 PM ET

The New England Patriots will be looking for a No. 1 wide receiver this offseason to pair with young quarterback Drake Maye.

Maye had an impressive rookie season, passing for 2,276 yards and 15 touchdowns in 13 games, but he did so without a receiver going over 1,000 yards.

New England must address the offensive line and wide receiver positions, and they hold the No. 4 pick in this year's draft.

If the Patriots don't select a receiver with their first pick, they could be players in the trade market.

San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Deebo Samuel is expected to be traded this offseason.

While Samuel has been one of the best receivers in the NFL for the last five years, his asking price isn't expected to be high.

ESPN's Nick Wagoner doesn't believe Samuel will go for more than a Day 3 pick unless the 49ers are willing to pair him with more picks.

"Because Samuel is coming off a down year and is entering the final year of his contract with other top receivers set to be available in free agency or trade, a Day 3 draft pick and perhaps another late-round pick would probably satisfy the 49ers." Wagoner wrote.

"If there isn't much of a trade market, the Niners might have to settle for less unless they package picks with Samuel."

Samuel, 29, has a $15.4 million roster bonus that becomes official on Mar. 22, so the 49ers will likely want to move him before that kicks in.

According to Spotrac, the Patriots have $123 million in cap space, and they could be one of the few teams able to take on Samuel's contract without sacrificing much value.

New England must find a way to acquire a veteran wide receiver this offseason to ensure Maye doesn't fall into a sophomore slump.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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