4 potential tag-and-trade partners for Panthers WR Curtis Samuel
By Dean Jones
Which teams might be interested in acquiring Carolina Panthers wide receiver Curtis Samuel in a tag-and-trade?
Decision time is fast approaching regarding the future of Curtis Samuel. His exceptional production in 2202 will make it incredibly difficult for the Carolina Panthers to keep him around, with the promise of a more important role elsewhere another significant factor in the wide receiver’s decision that shouldn’t be overlooked.
Players with the skill set of Samuel’s are always in high demand during free agency. Teams across the league will surely be looking at the former Ohio State standout as an intriguing weapon that can impact an offense in a multitude of different ways, which is sure to send his asking price through the roof when it’s time for negotiations to begin.
Carolina has their work cut out for them. But if they can tie right tackle Taylor Moton to a long-term deal then a tag-and-trade scenario comes into play where Samuel is concerned.
The franchise tag for wideouts is expected to be around $14.26 million, according to Over the Cap. This would be a risky move by the Panthers, so the organization would need to ensure they had a willing trade partner before making such a call.
Samuel would then be free to sign a lengthy deal elsewhere at a price that the Panthers simply cannot afford with the salary-cap coming down due to COVID-19 revenue losses.
With this in mind, let’s take a look at four possible tag-and-trade partners for Samuel that might ensure Carolina gets something worthy back in return.
Team No. 1
New York Jets
The New York Jets are embarking on a new era with head coach Robert Saleh and have the financial resources to be major players in the free-agent market this spring. They currently possess $75.19 million in spare money according to Spotrac, which could be used to change the fortunes of a struggling franchise providing good recruits come in.
They also have the No. 2 overall selection in the 2021 NFL Draft, which might be used as trade bait for Deshaun Watson or a top young prospect such as Zach Wilson. Either way, they’ll need another prominent weapon in the passing game to go alongside Jamison Crowder and Denzel Mims, which Curtis Samuel would provide in no uncertain terms.
This also gets Samuel out of the NFC, which the Carolina Panthers would welcome in the event their former second-round pick did eventually depart in the coming weeks.