Star WR Patriots Explored Trade for Now Wants Out From Current Team
By Chris Schad
Acquiring weapons for Drake Maye is a top offseason priority for the New England Patriots. While the rookie quarterback had a fine season throwing for 2,276 yards, 15 touchdowns and 10 interceptions his top weapons left a lot to be desired in 2024.
Demario Douglas and Hunter Henry tied for the team lead with 66 receptions while Douglas led the team with just 674 receiving yards. Henry also tied with Kayshon Boutte and Austin Hooper for the team lead with three touchdowns and it’s clear the Patriots will need to find more dynamic options this offseason.
Fortunately for the Patriots, there figure to be some playmakers available and they may have some framework after their pursuit of a star receiver last offseason.
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.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) February 9, 2025
“It was a hard conversation to… pic.twitter.com/uuEsxgFHIJ
Patriots Pursued Deebo Samuel Trade Last Offseason
On Sunday, it was revealed San Francisco 49ers star receiver Deebo Samuel requested a trade from the team after the season ended. This is relevant to New England in several ways, including the fact the team previously pursued the All-Pro talent.
CBS Sports’ Josina Anderson revealed the Patriots engaged in trade discussions with the before the 2024 NFL Draft. While a deal didn’t get done, a big factor was the compensation as Anderson said the two sides couldn’t find a middle ground based on their demands.
“In general when teams explore potential transactions with other clubs, finding middle ground on compensation can be challenging,” Anderson posted to X last April. “There are always many considerable factors on why the price should possibly be one thing or another.”
I'm told the #Patriots had preliminary trade discussions on #49ers WR Deebo Samuel prior to the NFL Draft, per source.
— JosinaAnderson (@JosinaAnderson) April 26, 2024
In general, when teams explore potential transactions with other clubs, finding middle ground on compensation can be challenging. There are always many… pic.twitter.com/bOXi1GtcNJ
The 49ers kept Samuel last offseason but he didn’t look like a former All-Pro receiver, catching 51 passes for 670 yards and three touchdowns. The 29-year-old requested a trade out of San Francisco during his exit meeting.
Samuel’s offensive production wasn’t great last year but he’s still a dangerous player at his peak. In 2021, Samuel was a dynamic threat, catching 77 passes for 1,405 yards and six touchdowns while adding 59 carries for 365 yards and eight rushing touchdowns.
While the Patriots were unable to come up with a deal last April it may have provided some framework for a deal. There’s also a chance that Samuel’s price has come down over the past year due to his lack of production and his request becoming public information.
In the end, it could be something in excess of the fourth-round pick the Chicago Bears gave up to acquire Keenan Allen last offseason to bring Samuel to New England. It could also take some time if the 49ers decide to wait and see what the Los Angeles Rams could get for Cooper Kupp.
Either way, the Patriots need to find some way to add explosiveness to their offense and trading Samuel would be a good place to start.
More New England Patriots News & Rumors:
feed