​As NFL teams prepare to report to training camp, front offices across the league are quietly assessing the missing pieces needed to push toward a true championship run. For the Los Angeles Rams, that favorable addition could come from a familiar former division rival.
In a set of bold predictions for the 2026 NFL training camp cycle, Bleacher Report’s Brad Gagnon suggests the Rams could make a defining splash by signing veteran wide receiver Deebo Samuel. The rationale behind this potential move is grounded in a plain-spoken reality facing the Rams’ current offensive framework. Beyond the standout duo of Puka Nacua and Davante Adams, Matthew Stafford’s pass-catching options are comparatively sparse. The Rams have found value with tight ends, but no wide receiver on the current roster surpassed 20 receptions or produced a single touchdown during the entire 2025 season.
Gagnon argues that general manager Les Snead needs to secure immediate insurance for Nacua and Adams to prevent the offense from becoming overly predictable. While other veteran talents such as Tyreek Hill and Stefon Diggs remain on the open market, Samuel represents a cleaner, more straightforward fit for the Rams’ operation. He also offers fewer off-field distractions and delivers a physical, multidimensional skill set that aligns well with contemporary offensive philosophies.
I believe Samuel would be an ideal fit as a versatile addition to Sean McVay’s inventive scheme. The Rams had ample exposure to Samuel during his six-year tenure in the NFC West, and it wouldn’t be shocking to see them explore a path to bring back the 30-year-old former star on a one-year deal. The Rams know precisely what Samuel can bring to a football field. Across his dynamic career, largely spent in the NFC West, the 30-year-old weapon has earned a reputation as one of the league’s premier playmakers. He has accumulated 6,737 total yards (5,519 receiving and 1,218 rushing) and 48 total touchdowns (27 receiving, 21 rushing). By integrating a talent of Samuel’s caliber into the slot and backfield, Sean McVay could craft a devastatingly creative hybrid role, potentially transforming the Rams’ offense into one of the NFC’s most feared units heading into 2026.
This piece originally appeared on Rams Wire and has been crafted to reflect a bold training camp acquisition for improved search visibility.