Jhelum Mehta
NFL front offices were wheeling and dealing all week as the new league year officially kicked off on Wednesday, with a staggering $5.83 billion in contracts handed out, with roughly $2.3 billion agreed to in just the first eight hours of the negotiating window. It’s safe to say that general managers came out swinging.
The market has cooled a bit since the initial frenzy, but plenty of impact players are still sitting on the board waiting for their next snap. One of the biggest names still looking for a new home is Washington Commanders wide receiver Deebo Samuel Sr.
Samuel stepped up as Washington’s top target last season while Terry McLaurin battled injuries, hauling in 72 catches for 727 yards and five touchdowns. He also chipped in 75 rushing yards and another score, though that rushing total marked a career low in seasons where he played at least eight games.
Even so, Deebo’s still one of the league’s most versatile offensive weapons — a true “wide back” who can line up anywhere and stress a defense in multiple ways. So where could he land next? Here are five teams that make the most sense for Samuel in free agency.
Denver Broncos
The Denver Broncos have been one of the quietest teams on the free agency wire so far. In fact, they’re the only NFL team that didn’t sign an outside free agent during the first week, which has definitely raised some eyebrows around the league. But maybe Sean Payton is just waiting to take his shot.
For years, people around the NFL have tried to connect Deebo Samuel with Payton’s offense. Now, for the first time, that pairing is actually possible. Payton has long talked about wanting a do-it-all weapon who can line up anywhere, motion across the formation, and stress defenses every single snap. That description might as well have Deebo’s name written on it.
San Francisco 49ers
Who says you can’t run it back? A reunion with the San Francisco 49ers suddenly doesn’t sound so crazy. San Francisco’s wide receiver room has some serious question marks heading into the 2026 season. Brandon Aiyuk’s time with the team appears all but over, Jauan Jennings is testing free agency, and Ricky Pearsall just hasn’t been able to stay healthy.
On top of that, the offense could be without George Kittle, who’s dealing with an Achilles injury that may sideline him for a large chunk of the 2026 campaign. That’s a lot of missing firepower for Kyle Shanahan’s offense. A return to the Bay would make plenty of sense. Samuel already knows Shanahan’s system inside and out, and he’s built solid chemistry with Brock Purdy from his previous stint in San Francisco.
Baltimore Ravens
The Baltimore Ravens could be reloading their pass-catching group this offseason. If that happens, Baltimore will need another dynamic weapon in the passing game — and Samuel fits the bill perfectly. Samuel would give the Ravens a versatile chess piece who can line up in the slot, outside, or even take snaps out of the backfield.
While Zay Flowers would still headline the receiving corps, Samuel could quickly carve out a major role and become one of Lamar Jackson’s go-to playmakers. And honestly, Deebo just feels like a Raven. His bruising, physical style — whether he’s breaking tackles as a receiver or lowering his shoulder on designed runs — fits right into Baltimore’s smash-mouth identity.
New England Patriots
The New England Patriots need a reliable wide receiver, making Samuel an obvious target if they’re looking to add some firepower. Samuel would slide nicely into the Patriots’ offense as a do-it-all weapon, just like Stefon Diggs, and perfect for Drake Maye. Imagine the physicality if New England rolled out Deebo Samuel and Romeo Doubs on the same field.
Kansas City Chiefs
The Kansas City Chiefs have needs in the passing game. Sure, they still have Travis Kelce, but Patrick Mahomes could definitely use another dynamic weapon on the outside. That’s where Samuel comes in. Kansas City has quietly emerged as an intriguing landing spot for the veteran playmaker. Samuel’s ability to line up out wide, in the slot, or even take handoffs out of the backfield feels tailor-made for Andy Reid’s playbook. Reid loves versatile weapons that he can move around the formation, and Samuel would give the Chiefs another gadget-style threat who can turn short touches into chunk plays.
