PLAN B: Samuel/Byrd combo

After Fuller, who is in a stratosphere the Patriots might not want to spend on a receiver, the Patriots could probably land two wideouts for his price tag. That might be more in their wheelhouse. In this scenario, landing Curtis Samuel and re-signing Damiere Byrd works.

Samuel’s appeal?

For starters, if Bill Belichick happens to bring Newton back, the two have familiarity, having played together in Carolina.

He’d also be a versatile chess piece for Josh McDaniels, playing multiple receiving spots in the Patriots offense. Re-signing Byrd, who is a free agent, is part of this equation because he’s 27, and was the only receiver (47 catches, 604 yards) who brought any speed to the table. He signed a one-year, $1.6 million deal. Giving him a bit of a pay bump shouldn’t break the Patriots.

The Samuel/Byrd plan is a good start toward reviving the position.

This past season, Samuel finished with a career-high 77 catches for 851 yards. The former running back also had 41 carries for 200 yards. Samuel was an effective chain-mover as Teddy Bridgewater’s most reliable target on third down. Panthers OC Joe Brady, who was instrumental in Samuel’s breakout season, utilized him just about everywhere.

He’s 5-foot-11, 200 pounds and has the speed to beat defenses deep. He also has the quickness and route-running ability to get open quickly, right off the line.

The fact Samuel lacked consistent production his first three seasons will likely help drive his price down.

Even with that, he’s probably going to command a multi-year deal around $10 million to $11 million a year. With Edelman’s future in doubt, Samuel, who is 24, would be the perfect piece to add, along with keeping Byrd.