This stat is a good example of why the Panthers should keep WR/RB Curtis Samuel
Curtis Samuel was one of three Panthers players who made Touchdown Wire’s list of the top 101 free agents heading into 2021.
Selected in the second round of the 2017 NFL draft by former general manager Dave Gettleman, Samuel has developed into one of the league’s most underrated offensive weapons. As a receiver, Samuel has demonstrated tremendous potential despite having relatively limited play at quarterback for most of his career. Even through Cam Newton’s injuries, Teddy Bridgewater’s inconsistency and Kyle Allen just not being very good, Samuel has still managed over 2,000 yards and 14 touchdowns as a receiver and he’s never been close to the team’s No. 1 option.
In 2020 Samuel leveled up again, proving he can be far more than just a vertical threat. He posted a career high 79.4% catch rate, the highest for any NFL player with at least 77 receptions.
Samuel has also always been a capable rusher and he finally got a chance to show that this past season. According to Pro Football Focus, Samuel is the only wide receiver in the league with 10 or more missed tackles forced since 2019. He has 16.
Only WR with 10+ missed tackles forced on runs since 2019:
🔹Curtis Samuel – 16 pic.twitter.com/caennPoVWo
— PFF Fantasy Football (@PFF_Fantasy) February 17, 2021
This is more evidence Samuel is a special type of playmaker who hasn’t reached his ceiling.
After releasing Kawann Short yesterday, the Panthers have around $20 million in salary cap room for the year. Hopefully a chunk of that is reserved for a Curtis Samuel extension.
