Deebo Samuel Mad
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Wide receiver Deebo Samuel was selected in the second round, 36th overall, by the San Francisco 49ers in the 2019 NFL draft.
The Carolina Panthers have been one of the top active teams during this year’s free agency. The team has been named a top landing spot for Wide Receiver Deebo Samuel.
Carolina was named the best fit for the University of South Carolina standout by NFL’s Nick Shook. Shook mentioned that Samuel could elevate the Panthers’ offense. Samuel played for the Washington Commanders in 2025.
“I have no idea how the Panthers view Xavier Legette, a playmaker who tempts onlookers into believing he can become a star but isn’t nearly consistent enough to realize that potential yet. We know they have a stud in Tetairoa McMillan, and I’m personally a fan of Jalen Coker. Carolina already added John Metchie III, but why stop there? Throw Samuel, a rugged slot whose best days are admittedly behind him, into the equation to give Bryce Young another option.” Shook wrote.
Carolina Panthers Have the Talent to Compete
The Carolina Panthers are looking to take a step forward in 2026 with the moves they have been making this offseason. Defensively, the team signed edge rusher Jaelan Phillips to a 4-year, $120 Million contract.
He has already labeled himself as a disruptive force. He also believes he can produce double digit sacks with the Carolina Panthers. A Panthers player has not done so since Brian Burns in 2022.
“That’s kind of the next step of my career,” Phillips said in the ESPN article. “But at the bare minimum I’m a disruptive force.”
On the offensive side of ball, the team signed wide receiver John Metchie III, the college teammate of quarterback Bryce Young. Metchie was selected in the 2nd round of the 2021 NFL Draft. JohnMetchie’s signing gives Bryce Young one more weapon to rely upon in a loaded wide receiver room.
“The Panthers enjoyed some surprising success in 2025, which should only prompt them to continue accruing talent, especially for an offense that, depending on the week, was either explosive or forgot to board the bus to the stadium.” Shook wrote.
Deebo Samuel Would Add More Depth to WR Room
There’s no question that Deebo Samuel would be a great asset to the Carolina Panthers’ wide receiver room, but Samuel may be a little too expensive for Carolina.
“[The Carolina Panthers] might have a tough time fitting Samuel’s expected cost (roughly $15 million, per Spotrac) into their cap situation, but there are ways to make it work if the fit makes sense.” Shook wrote.
Nonetheless, possibly adding Samuel to a wide receiver room with John Metchie, Jalen Coker, and Tetairoa McMillan would be phenomenal for the franchise.
“A second-round pick out of Columbia, S.C. in 2019, Samuel played his first six pro campaigns with the San Francisco 49ers—amassing 4,792 receiving yards, 1,143 rushing yards and 42 total touchdowns over 81 games. He’d then move on to the Washington Commanders in 2025, where he reeled in 72 balls for 727 yards and five scores.” Anthony Rizzuti wrote in a Panthers Wire article.
Though Samuel turned 30 years old in January, his veteran presence and Super Bowl experience would fit perfectly in Carolina. He not only adds a receiving element in his game, but a rushing attack as well.