According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, the Carolina Panthers are reportedly open to trading 2019 breakout WR Curtis Samuel during the 2020 NFL Draft. While nothing official has come out yet, the team has been fielding calls on the former second-round pick and trying to find a deal that they can’t refuse.
So should the Washington Redskins make such a deal? Before you dismiss it completely, consider the fit if it were to happen. Samuel, who has 11 touchdowns over the last two seasons, had a great year in Carolina’s offense during 2019, playing under Ron Rivera and Scott Turner, both of whom are now in Washington. The Redskins also have a dire need at the WR position, and pairing a burner like Samuel next to Terry McLaurin and Steven Sims could be lethal.
A couple arguments against this move would be that giving up draft capital for Samuel is counterproductive for the Redskins, as they are currently trying to increase their haul of picks via trade of Trent Williams, not give picks away. Adding Samuel to the Washington offense may also be unnecessary, as Sims is already a young speedster who is expected to occupy a role similar to what Samuel had with the Panthers last year.
Nonetheless, the news that this impressive, young WR is on the market should make a few ears prick up in Washington. He could soon be on the move, and a trip to D.C. isn’t completely out of the question.
