Carolina Panthers: Curtis Samuel can make an impact in 2018

2018 is a year for Curtis Samuel to remind everyone that he can be a true threat for the Carolina Panthers offense.

The Carolina Panthers need another option in their group of wide receivers. In fact, the team needs more than one option. In his rookie season Curtis Samuel was expected to be a major factor in that group. Unfortunately, an ankle injury cut that run short as he was limited to only nine games and four starts. With the 2018 season in front of him, Samuel has the opportunity to be standout performer in this developing group.

The Panthers lost their speed threat when Ted Ginn Jr. went to the New Orleans Saints. Losing him was a major blow to this offense as additional moves and injuries left them with Devin Funchess as Cam Newton’s main weapon. Before the injury Samuel had 15 receptions for 115 yards with zero touchdowns.

Another important point to add to the conversation is that he contributed to the kick return game; an area in which the Panthers have struggled with mightily the last few seasons. His speed and experience in that area adds an additional component to his game that the Panthers should leverage.

The Panthers offseason moves have included a number of transactions with wide receivers. Six different wide receivers have received some sort of transaction from the Panthers that will keep them on the roster. Torrey Smith was brought in due to his veteran leadership and experience as a member of the Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles. Many experts are looking to him to be the speed option that the Panthers need, but Samuel should also be considered for that role, even with his young age in question.

In 2017 Samuel was expected to be a dual threat option for the Panthers, akin to Christian McCaffrey but with more of an emphasis on the passing game. He contributed to the Panthers running game last year as he earned 64 yards on just four attempts. The Panthers are known for their trickery with the run game and adding Samuel back to the fold helps boost their ability to switch up their attack.

It will be interesting to see where Samuel fits into the lineup. Funchess has cemented himself as a primary weapon in the passing game. Greg Olsen is returning from injury and should get his fair share of targets. Damiere Byrd and Brenton Bersin seem to be the next two options due to their time in the Panthers offense, but Samuel can quickly supplant them if he returns in strong form.

Next: 2018 NFL Mock Draft: Full 7-Round projection

The Carolina Panthers spent much of this offseason revamping their passing attack as they’ve brought in a number of additions to the roster. To go along with those new players, Curtis Samuel is looking to make a comeback to remind fans and ownership that he can be a big contributor on this offense. He has the tools to be a vital weapon in both the passing and return games which increases his overall value to a team that’s working through offensive transition like the Carolina Panthers.