Carolina Panthers: Ranking the top 5 players under 25

4. Curtis Samuel – WR (age 23)

The Carolina Panthers finally got the chance to see what wide receiver Curtis Samuel could do in 2019. The player has endured a frustrating time with injuries during his short career to date. But he emerged as one of the bright spots in an otherwise disappointing campaign overall.

Samuel took full advantage of more time on the field with career numbers across the board. He eventually finished the campaign with 54 receptions, 627 receiving yards, six touchdowns, and a yards-per-catch average of 11.6. This was done with less than stellar quarterback play, so more will be expected in 2020 with Teddy Bridgewater under center.

This is a pivotal upcoming season for Samuel in many ways. But the obvious one is financial. He is heading into the final year of his rookie deal and another strong showing would leave the Panthers with little alternative other than to give the wideout a multi-year extension.

The organization opted not to trade Samuel during the NFL Draft despite strong interest. So he is expected to be a hot commodity on the free-agent market if things drag on that far. Carolina does have much more salary-cap space next spring. And they will need to tie down the player at the earliest opportunity if he takes another leap forward in the coming months.