4 Panthers who could be X-factors against the Raiders

Curtis Samuel – Carolina Panthers WR

There is plenty riding on the 2020 season for Curtis Samuel. The wide receiver has limitless potential without reaching the high expectations of a second-round pick so far. But this can be attributed to injury problems in the past that he now appears to be over after a solid 2019 campaign.

There was speculation that the former Ohio State sensation might not even be on the roster when the Carolina Panthers took the field in Week 1. The organization fielded some calls regarding his availability via trade during the 2020 NFL Draft. But they resisted the temptation to move a player who is heading into the final year of his rookie deal.

Samuel will be looking to build on a career year last time out and get himself a big payday in Carolina or elsewhere next spring. He will need to make the most out of his share of targets given the weapons available around him. But the wideout has a rare potential to take it to the house on any given down.

Carolina’s offensive coordinator Joe Brady has highlighted his desire to get Samuel involved prominently. He can make a difference on the outside, in the slot, or as a running back should the opportunity arise and this represents a real matchup problem for the Las Vegas Raiders.