Panthers named best fit for top remaining free-agent WR

Could a seasoned playmaker land back home with the Carolina Panthers ? Inman, S. C.

native and University of South Carolina product Deebo Samuel has been linked to the team by Around the NFL's Nick Shook, who recently named the best fits for free agency's top remaining players. Shook writes that Samuel, a former Pro Bowler and first-team All-Pro, could help elevate the Carolina offense: 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. 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.

They 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. A second-round pick out of Columbia, S. C.