The Carolina Panthers have lacked a true return specialist since Ted Ginn’s departure in 2017. Last season, Kenjon Barner and Damiere Byrd served as the team’s top two kick returners. Now that both have left in free agency, the team finds itself lacking players with return experience, and will need somebody to step up at both positions.
Here are the top four options for Carolina’s return game this season.
KR1: Rashad Ross
As the most experienced returner on the roster in 2019, it only makes sense that Ross should be the No. 1 kick returner going into training camp this year. Ross is the only Panthers player who has returned a kickoff for a touchdown in college or in the NFL and his average of 23.9 yards per attempt leads the field by a wide margin. Ross was the best wide receiver during the short-lived AAF league, but his best chance at making Carolina’s roster is as a returner.
KR2: Curtis Samuel
Samuel has averaged 21.5 yards per return on 20 attempts over the last two years. Although he struggled to make explosive gains — his longest return of both seasons was only 32 yards — his twitchy moves and excellent game speed give him the potential to score a touchdown if he gets enough blocks in front of him. If Ross wins the primary kick returner spot, expect Samuel to continue serving as the second option.
PR 1: D.J. Moore
Despite only returning six punts in 2018 before a costly fumble against Washington, Moore will likely enter the season as the top punt returner — especially considering he’s the only Carolina player who fielded a punt in the NFL last season. Even more than the capable Samuel, Moore possesses rare open space abilities that should allow him to make multiple tacklers miss. Moore will have to fix his fumbling issues and hold onto the ball better, but if he does that he’s the team’s top PR by far.
PR 2: Reggie Bonnafon
If the former Louisville quarterback, running back and wide receiver wants to make the roster in 2019, Bonnafon’s best bet is going to be as a punt returner. Throughout college, Bonnafon appeared to be a discount Samuel, both rushing the ball and catching passes as a diverse offensive weapon. But if he fails to make an impact on offense again this preseason, his last chance will come on special teams. In his senior year with the Cardinals (2017), Bonnafon returned 13 punts, averaging 6.8 yards per return.
