​The Sporting News first brought this bold Rams prediction to light, highlighting the team’s aggressive moves heading into the 2026 NFL season, including blockbuster trades for Trent McDuffie and Myles Garrett. The premise is clear: Los Angeles is doing whatever it takes to push for a championship window in 2026, even as questions linger about the roster’s remaining gaps. One area of focus is the third wide receiver spot, a hole that persisted after the Rams selected Ty Simpson at No. 13 overall in the 2026 NFL Draft but still hadn’t found a reliable complement behind Pro Bowl veterans Deebo Samuel and Puka Nacua.
Bleacher Report’s Brad Gagnon lays out a scenario that could plausibly reshape the Rams’ receiver corps: signing a free agent to fill that third receiver role, with Deebo Samuel as the prime target. Gagnon contends that it would be a prudent, financially sensible move for the Rams to lure Samuel, who spent six seasons facing them in the NFC West. He notes that Samuel, now 30, might be available on a one-year deal and could contribute immediately as a high-impact depth piece.
In Gagnon’s forecast, Samuel would join Nacua and Adams in the Rams’ wide receiver rotation, providing an experienced third option who could be trusted in critical situations. Samuel’s 2025 stat line—727 yards and five touchdowns on 72 receptions for the Washington Commanders—suggests he still has something left in the tank. While he isn’t the same Pro Bowl and All-Pro talent he was with the San Francisco 49ers in 2021, Samuel remains a viable, versatile receiver who can contribute as a separator, blocker in the run game, and option on third downs. For a one-year, relatively affordable deal, Samuel could be a valuable addition who enhances the depth and resilience of the Rams’ passing attack.
Looking at the current depth chart, the Rams’ best options for No. 3 WR behind Adams and Nacua appear to be a mix of players—Jordan Whittington, Konata Mumpfield, Xavier Smith, and CJ Daniels. Those names offer depth, but their ceiling isn’t high enough to guarantee stability if either Nacua or Adams were sidelined. Samuel, with his experience and playmaking ability, would provide a safer, more reliable option in the event of injury or a dip in performance from the other receivers. His presence would likely ease the burden on the younger receivers while still affording head coach Sean McVay and offensive coordinator Kevin O’Connell the flexibility to deploy multiple sets and routes to keep defenses off balance.
This prediction from Gagnon isn’t shocking, and it aligns with what many observers anticipate could unfold once training camp opens. The Rams are intent on contending for a Super Bowl, and addressing the No. 3 receiver position remains their most conspicuous remaining need. The fit appears logical: Samuel brings veteran discipline, route-running savvy, and a proven track record that could complement Adams’ splash-play ability and Nacua’s breakout potential. If the Rams pursued Samuel, it would signal a clear message about their ambition for 2026 and their willingness to add proven production to support the offense.
Beyond Samuel, the team’s current depth chart raises legitimate concerns about what happens if injuries strike or if competition intensifies in camp. While there are intriguing young talents on the roster, they carry unproven ceilings and inconsistent punch. Bringing in a veteran like Samuel would not only stabilize the position but also serve as a valuable bridge to the next wave of WR contributors, allowing the Rams to optimize matchups and preserve their strategic versatility.
In sum, the notion of Deebo Samuel joining the Rams on a one-year deal resonates with the broader strategy the franchise has pursued—maximize their championship window with bold moves, while ensuring sufficient depth and flexibility at key positions. Whether this exact scenario comes to fruition remains to be seen, but the idea of Samuel fitting into Los Angeles’ offense makes sense for both the Rams and the veteran receiver as they navigate the summer preparations for the 2026 season. The narrative underscores how a strategic, cost-conscious addition at the third receiver spot could be the final piece that helps the Rams realize their Super Bowl aspirations.