Overview
- Bleacher Report analyst Brad Gagnon predicted on July 10 that the Rams will sign free agent Deebo Samuel to a one-year deal during training camp, a claim repeated by Yahoo Sports and Heavy.
- Samuel, who last played for the Washington Commanders, finished 2025 with 72 catches for 727 yards and five touchdowns and is currently an unsigned free agent.
- Coverage argues Samuel would offer multi-dimensional value by lining up in the slot, taking handoffs and returning kicks, which fits the creative roles McVay has used in the past.
- Counterpoints from reporters note the Rams already plan more 13-personnel tight-end sets and have younger in-house options such as Xavier Smith, Jordan Whittington and Konata Mumpfield, which could reduce the likelihood of a signing.
- Analysts also flag Samuel’s injury history and missed games across multiple seasons as a durability concern even as they call him a cleaner operational fit than other high-profile free agents like Tyreek Hill or Stefon Diggs.