Panthers Rumors: Curtis Samuel set for long-term extension
By Dean Jones
The Carolina Panthers rumors are always swirling this time of year, with the latest centering on wide receiver Curtis Samuel and a possible contract extension.
Wide receiver Curtis Samuel is still on the roster despite intense trade speculation during the NFL Draft. The latest Carolina Panthers rumors regarding the player could see a long-term deal in the not-too-distant future.
The talented playmaker is heading into the final year of his rookie deal and is looking for a longer-term commitment from the franchise. Should the latest Panthers rumors be accurate, this would be welcome news for an organization that selected him in the second round back in 2017.
Carolina’s decision-makers were not shopping Samuel prior to and during the draft. But they did consider offers from interested parties before eventually deciding the keep the player.
This represents a wise decision from the organization, who will need to put the right pieces around free-agent quarterback Teddy Bridgewater to give him the best possible chance of succeeding. Putting Samuel alongside D.J. Moore and recent acquisition Robby Anderson has the potential to be a productive threesome in 2020.
Whether the Panthers will be able to offer Samuel an extension before the season gets underway is another matter. Their salary cap is incredibly tight at the present time and it would appear unlikely they can free up additional funds until next offseason when the wideout becomes a free agent.
A similar contract to the one Christian McCaffrey received might be worth considering, although for far less of a financial outlay. What is important for Samuel is long-term security rather than a short term raise next season.