The Washington Commanders have been busy in free agency, adding 14 new contributors to their roster as the team looks to return to competitive form in 2026.
On the flip side of the coin, the Commanders had a league-high 30 expiring contracts entering free agency, and most of them are still available. After all, players from a team that went 5-12 aren't going to be in very high demand.
In fact, the only free agents from last year's group who have signed with other teams are running back Chris Rodriguez Jr., edge rusher Jacob Martin, and center Tyler Biadasz. That leaves some big names still available, including a player who was one of Washington's top acquisitions last offseason.
Deebo Samuel projected to land on the Patriots with Commanders' fate all but sealed
And his next home feels too obvious.
Gary Davenport of The Bleacher Report named eight ideal fits for some of the league's top remaining free agents. These included Deebo Samuel Sr., who he projects will sign with the New England Patriots. It seems to make perfect sense.
The Patriots were the 2024 Commanders of last season, except better. They came from nowhere. Riding a young quarterback and veteran head coach in his first year with a new club, stunned the NFL world to make a deep playoff run all the way to the Super Bowl with a roster that was not playoff-ready on paper.
Now, much as Washington did last summer, the Patriots will likely transition into win-now mode. That could make a versatile offensive weapon like Samuel enticing, especially after New England released Stefon Diggs after one productive yet turbulent year with the club.
Samuel isn't the All-Pro-caliber superstar he used to be, but he still had a productive season for Washington last year. He racked up 727 receiving yards and five touchdowns, as well as another score on the ground, while having to carry the WR1 load for much of the year due to a series of injuries to top wideout option Terry McLaurin.
Samuel would likely take on a similar role in New England, a team that does not have a go-to receiving weapon as it stands, even with the addition of Romeo Doubs. But the Patriots are also a run-heavy offense that won't need to heavily rely on the passing game.
This feels ideal for both sides. Don't be surprised if Samuel ends up in New England within the next few weeks, with a chance to compete for a return to the Super Bowl.