4 potential tag-and-trade partners for Panthers WR Curtis Samuel
By Dean Jones
New England Patriots
Bill Belichick ain’t renowned for making trades that don’t work significantly in the New England Patriots‘ favor. But considering Tom Brady won a Super Bowl in his first season without the head coach, the increased sense of urgency might see the experienced figure become a little bolder this offseason.
The Patriots didn’t make the playoff last season and appear to have their work cut out dethroning the Buffalo Bills in pursuit of regaining the AFC East crown in 2021. Whether former Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton goes back to the organization is unclear at this juncture. But the impending return of several key veterans who opted out of the 2020 campaign due to COVID-19 revenue losses will be a massive boost.
However, New England isn’t going to get anywhere with the current wide receiver options at their disposal. They were a constant source of frustration during Brady’s final year under center and things didn’t exactly improve when Newton took over this responsibility.
Belichick has to do something, it’s that simple.
He does have around $68.87 million to work with when free agency begins. So this might see the Patriots become a suitor for Curtis Samuel either when he’s freed or via a tag-and-trade scenario.
Newton and Samuel developed some good chemistry during their time with the Panthers that was eventually cut short. But whether the 2015 NFL MVP is extended in the coming weeks is questionable, to say the least.