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The New England Patriots can trust an “interesting” All-Pro to replace wide receiver Stefon Diggs.
Signing Romeo Doubs went some way toward the New England Patriots getting younger and more versatile at wide receiver, but the team still needs a headline act to replace departed four-time Pro Bowler Stefon Diggs, and fortunately, an “interesting” All-Pro remains available in 2026 NFL free agency as a worthy replacement.
It’s veteran Deebo Samuel who is the best pivot from Diggs, according to Bleacher Report’s Gary Davenport. He acknowledges former San Francisco 49ers and Washington Commanders wideout “Samuel probably isn’t going to explode for over 1,400 receiving yards or average over 18 yards a catch again. But his versatility should appeal to Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels, and Samuel showed last year with the Washington Commanders that he can still be an asset to an offense.”
That word “versatility” remains Samuel’s key selling point in this veteran market, and to the Patriots specifically. Offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels knows how to turn roving wideouts who don’t fit the traditional prototype for the position into prolific playmakers.
McDaniels would surely welcome the chance to manufacture big plays for Samuel’s diverse skill-set that includes thriving in motion, being able to align anywhere and even gash defenses as a running back.
Working with this level of multiplicity is nothing new for McDaniels, who helped a former Samuel teammate with a similar playing style enjoy a career year back in 2021.
Deebo Samuel a Sneaky Good Fit for Patriots
Samuel ticks a lot of boxes for the Patriots as a proven commodity who was a dominant skill player at his peak. Granted, the 30-year-old’s best years are likely behind him, but Samuel can still stress defenses in a variety of ways.
This 19-yard touchdown run against the New York Giants was ample proof of his enduring ability to produce splash plays in two phases. So were Samuel’s five touchdown catches in a Commanders uniform.
A credible receiving threat who can double up in the backfield can fit seamlessly with the dual-threat skills of Patriots quarterback Drake Maye. His upward surge would continue unabated with McDaniels designing concepts to unleash Samuel, the way he did for Kendrick Bourne, another ex-49ers runner and receiver.
Bourne amassed 800 receiving yards and rushed for eight first downs as a member of the Patriots roughly five years ago, per Pro Football Reference. Samuel is more dynamic than Bourne, so he rates as a suitable replacement for Diggs, who was cut loose after a 1,000-yard season.
The decision to jettison Diggs made room for Doubs, but the Pats still need other fresh options at receiver.
There’s Space for More Wide Receiver Help
Doubs is a capable big-play threat from the inside or outside the numbers, but the ex-Green Bay Packers pass-catcher isn’t necessarily a go-to target. That’s the damning verdict from former Packers offensive tackle Mark Tauscher, who told ESPN’s Mike Reiss how Doubs “was a really good ‘2’ here. He could be a really good secondary option, and my guess is that’s how New England views it the way the contract played out.”
Putting more talent around Doubs is the next logical step for Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel and general manager Eliot Wolf. They could opt to go the draft route for a slot-style, chain-mover Vrabel appears to like. Alternatively, the Patriots could lean more heavily into the seemingly eternal will they or won’t they trade speculation concerning a Vrabel favorite.
Handing a short-term and team-friendly deal to Samuel would provide immediate clarity, while also equipping Maye and McDaniels with a more flexible replacement for Diggs.
James Dudko covers the New York Giants, Washington Commanders, New England Patriots and Baltimore Ravens for Heavy.com. He has covered the NFL and world soccer since 2011, with bylines at FanSided, Prime Time Sports Talk and Bleacher Report before joining Heavy in 2021. More about James Dudko
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