March 19, 2026, 10:40 a.m. ET
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. 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.
Samuel turned 30 years old in January.
Expert NFL picks: Exclusive betting insights only at USA TODAY.
Follow our free agency tracker for all the latest moves.
Follow @ThePanthersWire on Twitter/X for more Panthers content.