5 free agents the Panthers could target in 2021
By Dean Jones
Will Fuller
Although Will Fuller has had trouble staying healthy during his NFL career. There is no denying his level of production whenever he is on the field.
The friction within the Houston Texans is palpable this offseason following Bill O’Brien’s head-scratching decision to trade away DeAndre Hopkins. This has left quarterback Deshaun Watson unhappy and the franchise appears to be at a significant crossroads heading into 2020.
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If Fuller is looking to get paid big money when he contract is up next year, then he might have to explore other avenues. Much will depend on the situations regarding Robby Anderson and Curtis Samuel as to whether the Carolina Panthers’ free agency plans will warrant a focus on this particular area of the field.
Anderson recently signed a two-year, $20 million deal that includes an $8 million signing bonus and $12 million guaranteed. But if he does not live up to expectations he can be released in 2021 at a cap saving of $8 million.
Former second-round pick Samuel is heading into the final year of his deal after the Panthers opted not to trade him during the draft. The onus will be on the player to earn a new deal next season, but if he regresses then the franchise is going to look elsewhere.
A serious hamstring problem restricted Fuller to 49 receptions, 670 receiving yards, and three touchdowns in 2019. He has also torn his ACL during his career, which is another red flag for the Panthers free agency team to contend with.