Cooper Kupp Or Deebo Samuel? This Wideout Better Fit For Patriots

A pair of past-their-prime veteran receivers are available on the trade block, but one makes more sense for the Patriots.

Rams pass-catcher Cooper Kupp revealed last week Los Angeles was trying to trade him this offseason. 49ers playmaker Deebo Samuel was granted permission to find a trade suitor, he told ESPN’s Adam Schefter on Super Sunday.

For more reasons than one, Kupp and Samuel find themselves in similar situations.

They’re both playing on the back nine of their careers entering their age-32 and age-29 seasons, respectively. Their days of producing like First Team All-Pro selections are behind them. They’ve each dealt with injuries, as well. Kupp’s missed 18 games the last three seasons while Samuel has never played a full season with eight absences during the same stretch.

But with that said, Kupp is a better fit in New England.

Kupp’s skillset is a bit more refined than Samuel, who’s more as a hard-running dual-threat. Both can work over the middle of the field, but Kupp’s route-running and shiftiness seemingly would make him a better pass-catcher for quarterback Drake Maye. He’s a chain-mover. Kupp might even age a little better given Samuel’s taken more hits with 180 rushing attempts the last four seasons.

Kupp also brings veteran leadership rivaled by few in the league. Kupp’s former teammate, legendary offensive lineman Andrew Whitworth, compared Kupp to Rams head coach Sean McVay. Having Kupp on the field is like having the offensive-minded McVay in the huddle, Whitworth shared. Kupp would be an “invaluable” asset to a young quarterback, fellow receivers and help other offensive players know their roles and responsibilities.

Kupp’s toughness and overall buy-in has never come into question either. Some Niners fans will admit that wasn’t always the case for Samuel, who at times carried the “diva receiver” label. Kupp’s edge when it comes to intangibles matters on a rebuilding team like the Patriots.

Kupp also has two seasons left on his contract while Samuel has one. It’s another advantage for Kupp, who might not require a reworked contract/extension prior to a trade agreement. Both receivers are expected to cost Day 3 picks in a trade. Schefter hinted it could be a fourth-round pick for Kupp, which is what it cost the Bears to acquire Keenan Allen last offseason.

All that said, it’s not to say the Patriots shouldn’t try to pursue Samuel. They tried to last offseason and the Niners receiver would be the best playmaker in New England. However, there is a better option elsewhere on the trade market.