Could Jimmy Garoppolo and Deebo Samuel join the Panthers?

(Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports) Jimmy Garoppolo and Deebo Samuel
(Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports) Jimmy Garoppolo and Deebo Samuel

Could quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo end up playing with stud wide receiver Deebo Samuel on the Carolina Panthers during the 2022 season?

There is no player generating more in the way of attention than Deebo Samuel this week. The wide receiver has demanded a trade from the San Francisco 49ers and even though the organization appears reluctant to part ways with their best offensive weapon, it is a fluid situation that could resolve quickly with the 2022 NFL Draft fast approaching.

Although Samuel’s unhappiness stems from a contract dispute and the way he’s utilized in the offense, there is another element to consider. According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the do-it-all weapon wants to play his football a little closer to home moving forward, which should put the Carolina Panthers on red alert.

Samuel was born in Inman, South Carolina, and starred for the Gamecocks in college en route to becoming a second-round pick in the 2019 NFL Draft. If he does want to play his trade in familiar surroundings, then the Panthers might want to pick up the phone.

Given the need for a quarterback after Sam Darnold failed to deliver on expectations, many have speculated Carolina could make a bold splash to acquire both Samuel and Jimmy Garoppolo in the same deal. This would be astonishing – to put it mildly – but it would bring a sense of hope that hasn’t been seen within the franchise for quite some time.

However unlikely it might be, Garoppolo seems on board with a double trade. Whether that’s to the Panthers or somewhere else.

Speaking during an exclusive interview with FanSided’s Mark Carman on a recent Stacking the Box podcast, Garoppolo was asked about the possibility of playing with Samuel again elsewhere. Something the Eastern Illinois product said he would do “in a heartbeat”.

"“I would do that in a heartbeat. Those things will take care of themselves, but I didn’t even think of that idea. That’s not bad.”"

Carolina Panthers trading for both Deebo Samual and Jimmy Garoppolo seems unlikely

This might be something the Panthers consider. But convincing the Niners to let go of their most productive player is a tough sell – especially considering that they have been less than receptive about such moves in previous seasons with Kyle Shanahan and John Lynch calling the shots.

There are also plenty of financial ramifications to consider when exploring this scenario. The Panthers are not rich in draft capital right now and would likely have to pay Samuel the money he’s reportedly demanding to get him on board – which coupled with the cash owed on the final year of Garoppolo’s deal appears unrealistic.

Stranger things have happened, obviously. And this offseason has been nothing short of mind-blowing in terms of big players getting trades elsewhere.

But the chances of this are remote at best.

If the Panthers decide to go with a left tackle at No. 6 overall or via a trade back, then one suspects Carolina will be on the phone to inquire about either Garoppolo or Baker Mayfield at some stage during the draft.

Adding Samuel into the deal would be a cheeky request from general manager Scott Fitterer, but FanSided’s Matt Verderame stated that the Panthers seem to be one of the most likely teams for a package deal if this scenario ever came to fruition.

"“The Carolina Panthers are chief among them, desperately needing an upgrade at quarterback. For Carolina general manager Scott Fitterer, a trade of 2023 picks would be best, with the Panthers not having second- or third-round choices in next week’s draft.”"

This would be a game-changer for the Panthers. But it would not be cheap.

That’s why it’s probably best to focus on improving key areas rather than risk it all for a wide receiver – no matter how good Samuel is compared to others on the roster.

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