The NFL Draft is around the corner, but teams like the Carolina Panthers could explore the free agent market after April, which means they could target top receiver Deebo Samuel, who is surprisingly still available. Samuel hasn’t been able to find a home after spending one lone season in Washington, which ended on a sour note. The Commanders brought in Van Jefferson and Dyami Brown to help Luke McCaffrey and Terry McLaurin in the passing game, and that puts icing on the cake that Samuel won’t return. While the latest has it that the 49ers could reunite with Samuel, he’s connected to the Panthers as a possible fit.
It’s no surprise that Samuel could be a fit in the Panther offense. Coming off an explosive 2025 season, Bryce Young could use a veteran weapon to strengthen the offense. Carolina has one of the youngest offenses in the league, with Tetairoa McMillan and Jalen Coker as the top receiving options. However, if they want to go further in the playoffs in 2027, they could consider a veteran like Samuel.
Panthers Rumored to Target Top Free Agent Weapon Deebo Samuel After 2026 NFL Draft
Unfortunately for young receiver Xavier Legette, this will likely spell the end of his tenure in Carolina. The wideout has failed to establish himself as a reliable weapon for Young. After back-to-back struggling seasons, it’s time for Panthers head coach Dave Canales to evaluate the depth of the receiver unit.
On tape, Legette hasn’t been able to find his footing in this offense. It makes sense why Samuel could be a solid temporary fit. However, the Panthers will explore their options first in the upcoming draft, and the team could lose out on Samuel to these three contenders.
Possible Contender Fits
Baltimore Ravens
Similar to last offseason, the Ravens could explore adding a veteran to help Zay Flowers and Rashod Bateman. The DeAndre Hopkins didn’t pay off, but they could sign Samuel or Stefon Diggs right before the 2026 season. Like every other NFL team, the Ravens will experiment with the draft first, but it shouldn’t be surprising if the Ravens take the veteran route. Before Hopkins, the team brought in Nelson Agholor, Odell Beckham Jr. and Diontae Johnson to somewhat upgrade the offense for Lamar Jackson.
Samuel could easily fit into what the Ravens are putting together, especially since the receiver can be an uptempo playermaker in play-action and screen situations.
Chicago Bears
However, the Bears need a veteran wide receiver. After trading DJ Moore to the Bills, this could open the door for the team to explore free agency before the season commences. Samuel won’t take away starting reps from Luther Burden and Rome Odunze, but it’s better if Ben Johnson plugs in a veteran to be a viable presence with postseason experience to finally bring Chicago to an NFC Championship Game.
Indianapolis Colts
The Colts traded away Michael Pittman Jr. to the Pittsburgh Steelers due to cap space in the wake of giving Alec Pierce a monster, long-term deal. However, Pierce is going to need help in the aerial attack. Daniel Jones is a veteran who could benefit from a player like Samuel. Given the speed of Pierce and Samuel on one team together, it could be an explosive final addition for the Colts’ offense.