5 departures the Carolina Panthers will miss the most in 2021

Curtis Samuel – Former Carolina Panthers WR

• Signed for The Washington Football Team

In just four seasons with the Carolina Panthers, Curtis Samuel improved every year and became a valuable weapon that could be used in a variety of roles on offense.

In 2020, the final year of his rookie deal with the Panthers, Samuel had a breakout year, compiling 851 receiving yards with three touchdowns. He also had 200 rushing yards and two scores on the ground.

Carolina was interested in re-signing Samuel but the receiver opted to sign a three-year, $34.5 million deal with the Washington Football Team and play for his former head coach, Ron Rivera.

The price was likely more than what the Panthers would’ve given Samuel but his loss will hurt.

In response, Carolina signed former Seattle Seahawks receiver David Moore and drafted LSU prospect Terrace Marshall at No. 59 overall to play alongside D.J. Moore and Robby Anderson.

Marshall could end up being better than Samuel ever was with his elusive speed but he’ll have to adjust to the NFL first.

Moore played four years in Seattle with Russell Wilson as his quarterback but never had more than 445 yards in a season. He was an impressive red-zone threat, though, compiling 13 touchdowns the last three years.

Moore has also averaged 14.9 yards per reception.

However, Moore has been known more for being a long-ball threat in his career. While Samuel could make more plays in the open field and also use his rushing ability.

Moore and Marshall could end replacing Samuel just fine, but losing a dynamic player such as this might hurt more than the Panthers think in the short term.