Wide receiver Curtis Samuel has been the subject of trade speculation heading into the 2020 NFL Draft, but which teams could be in the market.
Curtis Samuel could be the odd one out in the Carolina Panthers’ wide receiver room. This has come with some trade speculation regarding the player this offseason.
The 23-year-old has performed well since he was taken in the second round of the 2017 NFL Draft by the Panthers out of Ohio State. Samuel has 108 receptions from 196 targets during his career to date. This has seen the player secure 1,236 yards and 11 touchdowns on a yards-per-catch average of 11.4.
He has also been a force in the running game on specialist packages on his way to 278 yards from 31 carries at a lofty nine yards per attempt, scoring three touchdowns in the process.
This might make Samuel a useful offensive weapon to have going forward. However, new head coach Matt Rhule has his own ideas and has significantly strengthened his receiving options with a wealth of acquisitions during a busy free agency period.
Robby Anderson arrived from the New York Jets on a two-year contract with the Panthers that included $12 million guaranteed. The franchise also brought in Seth Roberts, Keith Kirkwood, and Pharoh Cooper to put alongside D.J. Moore and Samuel.
This leaves the player fighting for his spot in the new offensive scheme heading into training camp if he is not moved on before then. Samuel is also heading into the final year of his rookie deal and Carolina may want to get something back for him rather than risk losing the receiver for nothing in free agency.
Here are four teams that may be in the market for Samuel if he is made available.
Philadelphia Eagles
The problems that the Philadelphia Eagles had with their wide receiver group in 2019 were well documented. Their inconsistent production severely hampered them throughout the campaign.
They almost certainly would not have made the playoffs had it not been for the NFC East’s poor standard. This is something the Eagles need to address this offseason either in the NFL Draft or via a trade.
Much will depend on the health of DeSean Jackson and Alshon Jeffery as to whether or not they currently have the tools on their roster to bounce back. They might consider a move for a reliable pass-catcher in Curtis Samuel, who has shown the ability to either move the chains or make big plays for the Carolina Panthers.
This is a very deep receiver group coming out of college this year. The Eagles have the No. 21 overall selection and may use that on a wideout that can contribute immediately.
One problem they have in this regard as the elite trio of CeeDee Lamb, Jerry Jeudy, and Henry Ruggs III won’t be around by then. Adding someone like Samuel for a second or third-round pick would be a move worth considering and would give them a source of stability at wide receiver that was sorely missing during the previous campaign.
Green Bay Packers
The Green Bay Packers have an elite wide receiver in Davante Adams. Sadly for quarterback Aaron Rodgers, they don’t possess many other game-changers in this particular area of the field.
The window looks to be closing with every passing year for their Hall of Fame-bound signal-caller to gain another Vince Lombardi Trophy. They desperately need more reliable offensive weapons that can make plays and take the load off Adams and star running back Aaron Jones.
Curtis Samuel would provide them with an additional tool to utilize and could gain a tremendous amount of success in single coverage given the attention other players on offense command.
There is no telling what benefit Samuel’s potential arrival in Green Bay would have on their quarterback. Rodgers seemed to regress somewhat last season despite the Packers reaching the NFC Championship game. Putting him in the best position to thrive right now is the only way to prolong his career and ensure Rodgers can sustain his elite level of production in his twilight years.
The Carolina Panthers will at least be looking for a second or third-round selection for Samuel, which represents good value for any contending team. He is a reliable weapon in critical situations and can be used in a variety of different positions all over the field.
Minnesota Vikings
The Minnesota Vikings made the move to rid themselves of a troublesome presence when they traded Stefon Diggs to the Buffalo Bills. This has left them with 12 NFL Draft selections and a real need for additional weapons.
Diggs was a potent deep threat who came up big in pivotal situations during his time in Minnesota. The Vikings could address their need for receiver help in the Draft. But they are reportedly looking at a veteran option to further bolster their chances of making a run at the playoffs for a second consecutive year.
The franchise has been linked with a move for Odell Beckham Jr. in recent weeks, which represents a feast-or-famine move from an organization that has bet big that quarterback Kirk Cousins will eventually get them over the hump.
Curtis Samuel might not have the highlight reel that Beckham Jr. can boast. But he is younger, has exceptional hands and would give a potentially potent offense yet another game-changing performer.
The Vikings also have a boatload of NFL Draft picks to use in any potential trade if they are intent of bringing in a seasoned pro rather than taking their chances on one of the more productive college prospects. Samuel seems like a good fit for their offense and one worth keeping an eye on.
Indianapolis Colts
It is clear the Indianapolis Colts are on the cusp of big things. They have an elite offensive line and some decent weapons that have the potential to make a playoff return in 2020.
The Colts also took a gamble by bringing in vastly experienced quarterback Philip Rivers from the Los Angeles Chargers on a one-year deal worth $25 million. This is an upgrade on Jacoby Brissett and could make a massive difference between success and failure.
Curtis Samuel would be another welcome addition opposite T.Y Hilton and one they sorely need. Zach Pascal showed glimpses of promises when called upon last season. But adding someone else to put alongside this tandem could be just what the Colts need to tip the scales.
Rivers should get more time to go through his progressions playing in front of such an established offensive line. The presence of running back Marlon Mack is another intriguing element to an offense that seems to be an intriguing fit for someone like Samuel.
Indianapolis’ decision-makers have done very well building through the NFL Draft in recent years. They have hit home runs on the likes of Darius Leonard and this has given them a superb foundation from which to build in the seasons to come.
Whether they would be willing to go away from that and make a move for Samuel remains to be seen.