The Patriots will be searching for help at wide receiver all offseason. When free agency opens in March, they’ll likely pursue Bengals star Tee Higgins. During the draft in April, they’ll be linked to names like Tetairoa McMillan and Luther Burden in the first round. But should New England look to the trade market, there are already two names worthy of moving assets for.
Patriots The Perfect Trade Destination For Deebo Samuel and Cooper Kupp
After recent trade requests, both Cooper Kupp and Deebo Samuel will need a new team in 2025 and the ideal landing spot for either of them may be in New England. The Patriots have the means and financial capabilities to acquire one of Samuel or Kupp.
Playmaking and Leadership
The Patriots haven’t had a receiver that brings both leadership and playmaking ability on offense since Julian Edelman retired in 2021. Kupp and Samuel are some of the best playmaking receivers in the NFL. On top of that, they have both been voted captains by their respective teams at some point in their careers.
Oh captain our captains.
pic.twitter.com/bhrGDhoCva
— Los Angeles Rams (@RamsNFL) August 28, 2024
Newly hired offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels loves to manufacture touches for his playmakers on offense. Think of the calls he would have for Samuel in New England and the kind of routes he would allow Kupp to run out of the slot.
Now more than ever, the Patriots need to give Drake Maye a “go-to” receiver who can win downfield and turn short throws into touchdowns. Kupp and Samuel would step into the Patriots wide receiver room and immediately raise both the floor and the ceiling of the offense.
Flexing the Financial Muscles
Both receivers require a large financial commitment from the team trading for them. Kupp will earn over $20 million in each of the next two seasons. While Samuel carries a $17.5 million cap hit into the final year of his current contract.
Projected Top 51 NFL Cap Space
1. #Patriots, $123M
2. #Raiders, $95M
3. #Commanders, $80M
4. #Cardinals, $71M
5. #Bears, $65M
…
30. #Dolphins, -$15M
31. #Browns, -$27M
32. #Saints, -$51MTrack All: https://t.co/aU10kAXGMr
— Spotrac (@spotrac) February 10, 2025
With the most cap space in the NFL, the Patriots have the financial flexibility to make this trade without limitations. They can either extend Samuel to a lofty extension or trade for Kupp and comfortably take on the cap hit he brings with him for the next two seasons.
Previous Trade Rumours
Before the 2024 NFL Draft, the Patriots discussed a Samuel trade with the 49ers. Although they never agreed upon it, Elliot Wolf and John Lynch have already discussed some groundwork for a potential trade.
I’m told the #Patriots had preliminary trade discussions on #49ers WR Deebo Samuel prior to the NFL Draft, per source.
In general, when teams explore potential transactions with other clubs, finding middle ground on compensation can be challenging. There are always many… pic.twitter.com/bOXi1GtcNJ
— JosinaAnderson (@JosinaAnderson) April 26, 2024
The circumstances for both teams are as similar now as they were a year ago. San Francisco needs to clear payroll to pay their star quarterback. New England still has a glaring need at wide receiver.
Moving Samuel would open up playing time for the 49ers younger, cheaper receivers like Ricky Pearsall and Jauan Jennings. A trade to New England would allow Samuel to be the top option on the depth chart.
Reunion of Eastern Washington Teammates
Familiar faces always help new players adjust. If Kupp were traded to New England, he would be reunited with Kendrick Bourne. The two formed a dynamic receiving duo at the University of Eastern Washington.
In three of the four seasons played together, Bourne and Kupp helped the Eagles win the Big Sky Conference. They combined for over 9,500 receiving yards and 100 touchdowns at Eastern Washington.
I ain’t no GM or nothing but I can promise anyone this money is gonna be worth it!!!!!!! https://t.co/mc6KXVkLbY
— Kendrick Bourne Poly (@BournePoly11) February 4, 2025
Bourne has already taken to social media and tried his hand at recruiting Kupp to New England. With both players exiting the prime of their football careers, it would be hard to envision similar production if they both suited up for the Patriots. But the idea of reuniting in New England could make the Patriots an ideal landing spot for Kupp.
Many Patriots fans appear weary of trading valuable draft assets to acquire older talent. But if New England has the chance to trade for former league-leading, All-Pro receivers, they have to at least consider it.
Kupp and Samuel are the ideal buy-low candidates that Elliot Wolf and the Patriots should be looking to acquire via trade this offseason. The possibility of re-uniting Kupp and Bourne is exciting. McDaniels scheming up offensive plays for Samuel is exciting as hell too.
Main Image: Bill Streicher – USA Today Sports
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