15 best free agent targets for the Washington Football Team

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Panthers WR Curtis Samuel. Mandatory Credit: Robert Hanashiro-USA TODAY Sports /

2. WR Curtis Samuel

If Washington doesn’t want to spend big for Smith-Schuster, who could cost $16 million-plus this offseason, they could opt to target a mid-tier option like Samuel.

Samuel is familiar with the Washington offense, as he played under Ron Rivera and Scott Turner with the Carolina Panthers. Samuel has a unique, versatile skill-set that would fit very well into the Washington offense.

A former college running back turned receiver, Samuel can play any skill position on offense, minus the tight end spot. He’s a compact, shifty, elusive player with good athletic ability and speed. At 5-foot-11, 195 pounds, he’s an ideal slot receiver but can play a variety of roles for the team.

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Last season for Carolina, Samuel set career-high marks in catches (77) and receiving yards (851). He also served as a running back part-time and handled 41 carries for 200 yards and two touchdowns.

Mixing his play anywhere ability with that of Antonio Gibson could give Turner a couple of multi-faceted weapons to play with. And if all goes well, the duo would be able to confuse opposing defenses and open up more space for McLaurin to make plays.

Samuel will probably command something between $12 million and $13 million annually on the open market. Like Smith-Schuster, Samuel is just 24 and has plenty of room to grow, so signing him to a deal would make sense as Washington continues to develop and improve their young core.

There are other receiving options that Washington could target on the free-agent market including Corey Davis of the Tennessee Titans and Kenny Golladay of the Detroit Lions, but Smith-Schuster and Samuel represent the two best for the Washington Football Team.

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