Patriots 'Sniffing Around' 49ers Star Deebo Samuel?

The New England Patriots could pounce if Deebo Samuel seeks to head east.

Like Toucan Sam before them, the New England Patriots are going to try and follow their nose this NFL offseason.

James Stewart and Jim Murray of WBZ-FM, the Patriots' flagship radio station, each hinted that the team is "sniffing around" the situation around multi-talented San Francisco 49ers playmaker Deebo Samuel. While Samuel is not up for free agency until 2026, he has lingered as an intriguing trade candidate since reportedly seeking one out last offseason. 

"I got a text message from an NFL talent evaluator that the Patriots are sniffing around Deebo Samuel," Stewart declared before Murray explained how the All-Pro receiver could shift New England's offensive fortunes. "(The Patriots) need a weapon, right? So, I think if you’re like me, you have some questions as to whether or not the Patriots can find a wide receiver in the draft given their recent drafting of that position. Deebo Samuel is one of the most versatile weapons in the league ... This is a true weapon, as a running back and wide receiver."

Murray remarks that Samuel has turned himself into one of the NFL's most dangerous talents despite working with what he calls an "ehhh” quarterback in former Patriots prospect Jimmy Garoppolo. Samuel's ability to make a difference both through the air and on the ground could help a quarterback in a similar situation to current New England thrower Mac Jones. 

"You have got an “ehhh” quarterback here in my opinion with Mac Jones," Murray said. "You get (Samuel) here that absolutely elevates your offense."

Despite missing four games last season due to injury, Samuel has earned 2,634 yards from scrimmage over the last two seasons, ranking 17th in the NFL in that span, one of only six players in the top 20 to make it there while playing less than 30 games. 

New England's offense noticeably struggled in year two of the Jones era, ranking 26th in total yards. Rhamondre Stevenson earned a breakout to the tune of 1,040 rushing yards but Jakobi Meyers was the team's leading receiver at only 804 yards. The Patriots (8-9) also ranked 17th in scoring and 27th in average drive time. 

A trade for Samuel is relatively unlikely to happen, as it would require the 49ers to eat a fair amount of dead money. San Francisco, fresh off another NFC title game appearance, will likely spend the offseason trying to figure out its quarterback situation, one that will exclude Garoppolo in favor of 2021 first-round choice Trey Lance and 2022 final pick Brock Purdy. 

Still, any deal that'll improve the Patriots' offense ... and any attempt to salvage the Jones era at quarterback ... will be worth not only sniffing but outright inhaling. If anything, the Patriots would probably have the sufficient draft capital to negotiate, as they're expected to cash in well once compensatory selections are announced in addition to their current haul of eight. 

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Geoff Magliocchetti is on Twitter @GeoffJMags

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