Drake Maye, New England Patriots
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Drake Maye #10 of the New England Patriots runs to the sidelines against the Seattle Seahawks during the second quarter in Super Bowl LX at Levi's Stadium on February 08, 2026 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye took a huge year two leap in 2025. He led the team to the Super Bowl, but unfortunately came up short against the Seattle Seahawks.
Despite the pain of a Super Bowl loss, the Patriots have an extremely bright future. With Maye and head coach Mike Vrabel leading the way, it is clear that a championship window has opened up in New England.
With that being said, the Patriots are facing pressure to put together a strong offseason.
So far, the front office has made some quality moves in NFL free agency. They brought in former Green Bay Packers wideout Romeo Doubs, offensive lineman Alijah Vera-Tucker, pass rusher Dre’Mont Jones, safety Kevin Byard III, and fullback Reggie Gilliam, along with a few others.
While the team has already added Doubs to help replace the departure of Stefon Diggs, New England could still look to bring in another weapon for Maye.
One potential option has been suggested for the Patriots to consider.
Patriots Connected to Potential $15.8 Million Wide Receiver
Following the move to sign Doubs, New England has now been suggested as a potential free agency landing spot for Deebo Samuel.
Pro Football Network’s Alex Kennedy named the Patriots as one of the options for Samuel. He also suggested the Kansas City Chiefs and Washington Commanders as possible fits.
“Statistically, Samuel’s best days are behind him,” Kennedy wrote. “A creative offense can still weaponize him as a versatile Swiss Army knife with his backfield capabilities, making him a potential low-risk, high-reward type of receiver.”
Samuel was a legitimate star during his days with the San Francisco 49ers. He played the 2025 season with the Commanders and made a major impact.
What Would Deebo Samuel Bring to the Patriots’ Offense?
Throughout the course of the 2025 season with Washington, Samuel played in 16 games. He caught 72 passes for 727 yards and five touchdowns. In addition, he also recorded 17 carries for 75 yards and a touchdown.
He has been a dual-threat player throughout the majority of his NFL career. Samuel is capable of making an impact on the ground as well as through the air.
In an offense like the one Josh McDaniels runs, Samuel could be an elite playmaker.
Spotrac has projected that Samuel’s market value is around $15.8 million per season. They have suggested a contract worth around $31.5 million over the course of two seasons.
Assuming that price tag is accurate, New England should take a flier on him. Samuel could be an excellent weapon for Maye within the Patriots’ offense.
Losing Diggs and replacing him with both Doubs and Samuel would be a big win for New England.