Daniel Popper’s “Best Fits” column just dropped a bomb, suggesting the Los Angeles Rams are the perfect spot for free agent wide receiver Deebo Samuel, and honestly, the whole league is probably scratching its head. You’d think the Rams were starved for playmakers, right? But this isn’t lining up with anything L.A. seems to be planning for their receiver room this season. It feels less like a “best fit” and more like a “why would they even consider this?” scenario.
Deebo’s Rep vs. Reality: Why The Juice Isn’t Worth The Squeeze
Look, Deebo Samuel was a beast. Nobody’s forgetting that first-team All-Pro nod back in 2021. But that was five years ago! Five years is a lifetime in the NFL, and his reputation now is way bigger than his actual impact on the field. Last season, playing for Washington, he wasn’t terrible, sure. He put up 72 receptions for 727 yards and five touchdowns. Solid numbers, absolutely. But he’s also another year older, battling the same old issues, just with his speed and athleticism fading even further. This is a guy who’s never been a strong man-coverage beater, meaning his play callers have always had to scheme touches for him. ESPN’s Receiver Score metrics aren’t perfect, we know, but their 2025 grading paints a pretty clear picture. Samuel tied for 97th out of 110 graded wide receivers in “open” score. That’s how often a receiver is in a position to actually make a catch, even if the ball doesn’t come his way. Ninety-seventh, people! Even Peyton Manning was absolutely disgusted when a pass hit Deebo Samuel in the facemask and turned into an interception in 2025. You just can’t ignore that kind of red flag.
Rams Don’t Need Another Gimmick In Their Offensive Arsenal
So why would the Rams even bother? This isn’t a team hurting for firepower. They already roll with one of the best offenses in the NFL. They don’t need to add more special plays or gimmicks just to create explosive moments or move the ball consistently. If L.A. had a paltry collection of weapons, maybe you take a flier on a guy like Deebo. But that’s clearly not the case here. It makes zero sense to develop more hyper-specific touches for a player who could very well be their sixth option on the depth chart. The Rams have made it obvious they’re content with the group of receivers they already have. Plus, Ty Simpson’s rookie deal just ate up some of their available cap space. Imagine if Aaron Donald actually returns, that would swallow most of what’s left! There were plenty of other options out there who wouldn’t cost an arm and a leg, so if the Rams had truly wanted another receiver this offseason, they could have grabbed one. This roster already has a clear pecking order, both in terms of pass catchers and offensive contributors. Adding Samuel would just mess with that.
The Rams have shown their hand. They’re comfortable with their guys, they know their cap situation, and they’ve got a clear hierarchy on offense. Adding a high-profile, high-maintenance receiver like Deebo Samuel, whose best days are behind him, just doesn’t fit their current trajectory for this season. It’s a hard pass from the Rams’ perspective, no matter what columnists are cooking up. They’re built for what’s next, and it ain’t that.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Turf Show Times.
Leave a Reply