Deebo Samuel could be perfect addition to Falcons' offense in 2026

[ASFN Admin]

You must be registered for see images attach

Deebo Samuel could be perfect addition to Falcons' offense in 2026 originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The Atlanta Falcons have undergone some big changes this offseason. The team brought in Kevin Stefanski to be the head coach, and Matt Ryan is now calling shots in the front office.

The quarterback battle has been a major talking point so far, as the Falcons brought in veteran Tua Tagovailoa to challenge Michael Penix Jr. Penix struggled in 2025, and the team clearly wanted to add some competition just in case.

No matter who is playing quarterback, though, it would be nice to have some more weapons. Luckily, there's a reliable veteran still on the trade market who could definitely help out.

Deebo Samuel could be a perfect fit for Falcons​

Deebo Samuel shockingly remains on the market despite having a solid 2025 season for the Washington Commanders. The veteran caught 72 passes for 727 yards and five touchdowns, and also rushed for 75 yards and one score.

Moe Moton of Bleacher Report recently identified the best landing spots for the top remaining free agents. For Samuel, Moton thinks Atlanta would be perfect.

Moton offered the following analysis:

Atlanta has an unsettled receiver corps behind Drake London. Jahan Dotson, Olamide Zaccheaus and rookie third-rounder Zachariah Branch will compete for targets in complementary roles.

Samuel would be an immediate upgrade in the No. 2 spot. Most importantly, he can extend plays after the catch. The winner of the quarterback battle between Tua Tagovailoa and Michael Penix Jr. can target him on routine completions that could go 10-20 yards downfield.

As Moton mentioned, the Falcons don't have much to be excited about behind Drake London. Does the team really want to rely on Jahan Dotson and Olamide Zaccheaus? Zachariah Branch could also take a while to get adjusted.

As a result, Samuel would be a clear upgrade at WR2. Either Penix or Tagovailoa would greatly benefit from a short-route target like Samuel. The veteran excels at getting open over the middle and out in the flat, which definitely helps a quarterback and takes some pressure off of London.

Samuel still a reliable offensive piece.​

Samuel will be 31 by the time the 2026 season ends, so he's obviously not at his peak anymore. The receiver had his best season back in 2021, when he caught 77 passes for 1,405 yards and six touchdowns, while also rushing for 365 yards and eight scores.

Samuel earned his first and only Pro Bowl and All-Pro honors after that season, but he's had good seasons since. Other than in an injury-shortened 2020 season, Samuel has never finished with fewer than 632 yards in a season.

While no longer a top option, Samuel can still be a productive complimentary piece. An offensive-minded coach like Stefanski could definitely get the most out of him.

More NFL news:​

• Can Saints go from worst to first in 2026?
• Jaguars had a 2026 offseason to forget
• Chiefs, Raiders could be battling for young receiver
• Underrated landing spot for Stefon Diggs identified
• Could Dolphins trade for disappointing former top pick?
• Packers urged to trade for 5-time Pro Bowler

Continue reading...