Deebo Samuel and Curtis Samuel are both free agents who could enhance the Cincinnati Bengals' wide receiver depth chart for 2026. The Bengals currently lack significant WR depth, making their potential addition noteworthy.
Deebo, Curtis Samuel each have merit in Bengals' plans for 2026 WR depth chart originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Deebo Samuel and Curtis Samuel aren't related.
But they could have similar merit for the Cincinnati Bengals as they take a deeper look at their wide receiver depth chart. Both Samuels are free agents looking for a home, and Cincy could provide it.
The key thing to note here is that the Bengals don't have a ton of WR depth.
The top-end is great, of course: Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins. They've got Andrei Iosivas in the slot.
Beyond that? Not great.
"Obviously, the Bengals are in serious trouble if Ja'Marr Chase or Tee Higgins goes down, but frankly they aren't really in a great position if they lose slot receiver Andrei Iosivas either," ESPN's Aaron Schatz wrote in a new article on Thursday. "Right now, the top outside backup is fourth-round rookie Colbie Young. The top slot backup is Charlie Jones, who has caught just one regular-season pass over the past two years."
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Deebo Samuel is a free agent, and his addition to the Bengals' roster is possible given their current lack of WR depth.
Curtis Samuel, also a free agent, could provide valuable depth to the Bengals' wide receiver lineup as they evaluate their options for 2026.
The Bengals currently have limited WR depth, making it crucial for them to consider free agents like Deebo and Curtis Samuel to strengthen their roster.
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Schatz then brings up both Deebo and Curtis as potential signings for the Bengals. Deebo would be more expensive, and he's coming off a solid season with the Commanders. Curtis would be a lot cheaper after some rough times with the Bills.
"There are a number of veteran receivers still on the market; Deebo Samuel might be a little costly for a fourth receiver, but the unrelated Curtis Samuel might be a good choice," Schatz writes.
The longer veterans like these last on the market, the cheaper they might become. The Bengals can still wait this one out, but it definitely would make sense for them to pounce on someone eventually.