The Los Angeles Rams continue to refine their offense as they prepare for the 2026 NFL season. After rumors linking the franchise to a potential trade for Philadelphia Eagles star A.J. Brown resulted in no deal, the front office faces lingering questions regarding depth at wide receiver.
While the primary tandem of Puka Nacua and Davante Adams provides top-tier talent, the lack of depth behind them was exposed during their NFC Championship Game defeat to the Seattle Seahawks. With training camp approaching, one analyst is pointing toward a veteran talent to bolster the Rams’ passing attack.
Matt Okada Urges Rams to Target Free Agent Deebo Samuel Sr. to Solve WR3 Issue
In a recent assessment of remaining roster needs across the league, NFL analyst Matt Okada identified wide receiver depth as the primary lingering issue for head coach Sean McVay’s offense.
Okada noted that while the Rams possess one of the most complete rosters in the NFL, the front office left itself thin at the position by opting not to draft USC receiver Makai Lemon or any other wideout until the sixth round of the 2026 NFL Draft.
Okada highlighted that free agent Deebo Samuel Sr., a former Pro Bowler with 48 total regular-season touchdowns across his seven-year career, represents a natural fit for McVay’s offensive scheme.
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“The Rams’ roster is probably the most complete in the league, so calling anything a big issue seems like a stretch,” Okada wrote. “But after passing on a chance to draft WR Makai Lemon — and wideouts in general until the sixth round of the draft — I’m pinpointing the WR3 spot as an area of concern.
“Davante Adams is 33 years old and missed three games last year. Puka Nacua gets banged up seemingly every season. And in their NFC Championship Game loss to Seattle, no other wide receiver caught a single pass. I would love to see Sean McVay get his hands on versatile free agent Deebo Samuel.”
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According to the PFN’s WR Impact Metric, Samuel remained an effective secondary weapon during the 2025 season with the Washington Commanders, finishing as the No. 26 wide receiver in the NFL with an impact score of 77.0.
Samuel compiled 72 receptions on 99 targets for 727 receiving yards and five receiving touchdowns, commanding a 21.1% target share. His efficiency metrics match McVay’s system requirements, as Samuel generated a 17.6 receiving EPA, a +0.18 EPA per target, and an average separation of 3.5 yards.
Furthermore, his dynamic ability after the catch was evident with 6.5 YAC (yards after catch) per catch and a +78.4 YAC+ rating.
Adding a versatile weapon who holds 27 receiving touchdowns and 21 rushing touchdowns in his career would provide essential insurance behind Nacua and Adams.
With NFL training camps opening in late July, signing Samuel would resolve the Rams’ primary roster concern ahead of the 2026 campaign.
