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Free agent wide receiver Curtis Samuel has found a new home, and a new opportunity to compete for a starting job. The Washington Football Team has signed Samuel, according to multiple reports. Ian Rapoport is reporting the deal is for three years and worth up to $34.5M.
Samuel came into his own during his fourth season with the Carolina Panthers. The speedster has steadily improved each season and proved that he could be an up-and-coming star in 2020. Samuel recorded career-highs in receptions (77) and receiving yards (851). He only scored three touchdowns on the season.
He joins a Washington squad looking for a second productive wide receiver. Terry McLaurin is the No. 1 pass catcher in Washington, coming off an 87-catch, 1,118 yard season. Tight end Logan Thomas and running back JD McKissic were the team’s next two most prolific pass catchers. Cam Sims was the next wide receiver, with 32 catches for 477 yards and a touchdown.
Samuel will slot right in as a starter opposite McLaurin. Ryan Fitzpatrick joined the team at QB and offers some upside but also inconsistency for fantasy football players. Samuel is more in the WR3 range for the time being, but has some WR2 upside now that he is not competing with DJ Moore, Robby Anderson, and Christian McCaffrey for catches.