5 possible replacements if the Panthers let Curtis Samuel walk in 2021
By Dean Jones
Who could the Carolina Panthers bring in to replace Curtis Samuel?
It promises to be another dramatic offseason for the Carolina Panthers as they look to build on a solid foundation. They have shown some real promise at times during the first year under new head coach Matt Rhule and a few more reinforcements in positions of need would give them a great chance of challenging for honors sooner rather than later.
There are also some big decisions that need to be made with current players whose contracts are rapidly running out. The Carolina Panthers opted to part ways with most of their veteran leaders this offseason to leave them with one of the biggest dead cap figures in recent history. But it would be a big surprise if this is a trend that continued this time around.
Curtis Samuel is one player whom everybody will be keeping a close eye on once competitive action concludes. The former second-round pick is one of the more dynamic playmakers on the team and it would be a huge blow if he departed the organization after the way he’s performed in 2020.
Here are five players who the Panthers should consider if Samuel does depart the franchise in free agency next spring.
Player No. 1
Omar Bayless – Carolina Panthers
Omar Bayless might be the forgotten man on the Panthers after his rookie season was derailed by injury. But that might not be the case for much longer.
It’s clear how much Carolina thinks of the undrafted wide receiver, who blew up training camp with a starring display that saw him primed for a spot on the 53-man roster. Providing he makes a full return to health in time for the 2021 campaign, it might come with a substantial role from the outset if Samuel decides to take his chances elsewhere.
There is a lot to like about the sort of skills that Bayless brings to the table. He was one of college football’s most dominant wideouts in 2019 at Arkansas State and although there might be some growing pains, he’ll have benefitted enormously from being around the team over the past few months.