5 possible replacements if the Panthers let Curtis Samuel walk in 2021
By Dean Jones
Rashard Higgins – Cleveland Browns
Rashard Higgins has proven to be a player of enormous promise this season. The wideout took his time to gain any sort of momentum with the Cleveland Browns, but the penny looks to have finally dropped if his recent performances are any indication.
If the Carolina Panthers are looking for a Curtis Samuel replacement this offseason, then Higgins should be high on the shortlist. The former fifth-round pick out of Colorado State has brought in 25 receptions from 35 balls thrown his way in 2020 on his way to 400 receiving yards and three touchdowns. And the player can influence proceedings in the slot or on the outside with equal effect.
It remains to be seen whether Cleveland can keep Higgins around, even if they wanted to.
The wideout might decide to take his chances elsewhere with Jarvis Landry and a returning Odell Beckham Jr. ahead of him on the depth chart next year and the Panthers would be an enticing proposition if Samuel moves on.
Higgins has some assured hands and is able to do some damage in open space. He has similar traits to what Samuel brings to the table – although he’s not as fast – and there is a lot to like about this sort of move from a scheme perspective in Joe Brady’s dynamic offense.