The Green Bay Packers parted ways with two of their top wide receivers this offseason. But the team has build strong receiver depth over recent years, giving them a chance to potentially be even better at pass-catcher this fall. But that doesn’t mean the Packers couldn’t use a veteran such as Curtis Samuel to complement the group.
At least that’s what Fansided’s Dairyland Express’ Dylan Carter argued Saturday. Carter put together an argument for why it makes sense for the Packers to sign Samuel in NFL free agency ahead of 2026 training camp.
“Samuel isn’t the type of player who will make or break a team,” wrote Carter. “The Packers by no means have to sign someone like Samuel, but there’s a reassurance to knowing that a veteran player who knows how to do the job well is there to help steer young players in the right direction and step up when someone gets hurt …
“Samuel can attack the gaps and use his unique elusiveness to gain yardage for the Packers.
“And even if it doesn’t go well, there’s very little risk involved on the Packers’ part. They could simply move on if Samuel doesn’t work out with them. Green Bay has nothing to lose in this situation, so why not give him a shot?”
Samuel began his career as a second-round pick for the Carolina Panthers in the 2017 NFL Draft. Following four seasons in Carolina, he inked a free agency deal with the then Washington Football Team.
The past two seasons, Samuel played for the Buffalo Bills.
What Curtis Samuel Could Bring Packers Offense
GettyFansided’s Dairyland Express’ Dylan Carter argued the Green Bay Packers should target veteran wide receiver Curtis Samuel.
Samuel never really lived up to his second-round billing. Over nine seasons, he’s posted 355 receptions, 3,717 receiving yards and 24 touchdowns in 111 games.
Samuel has also averaged only 10.5 yards per catch.
But he’s often provided quality depth over his career. Samuel registered four 600-yard campaigns in a five-year span from 2019-23. During the season he failed to reach that total, Samuel dressed for only five contests because of injuries.
In Green Bay, Samuel could be an extensive veteran presence to a pretty young receiver group. He’s clearly past his prime, but if seen primarily as an injury replacement, Samuel could be a quality addition.
He will turn 30 years old in August.
Do Packers Need Another Wide Receiver?
GettyThe Carolina Panthers picked wide receiver Curtis Samuel in the second round of the 2017 NFL Draft.
There are two obvious reasons the Packers might want to give pause to signing Samuel. First, it’s not clear they really need a wideout.
Even after losing Romeo Doubs and Dontayvion Wicks, the Packers still have a rather full receiver room with Christian Watson, Jayden Reed, Matthew Golden, Savion Williams and free agent Skyy Moore.
An injury during training camp or the preseason could change that quickly. But the last thing the Packers should want to do is sign Samuel and block Golden or Williams from getting opportunities this fall.
Secondly, it’s worth wondering what Samuel might have left in the tank.
Last season for the Bills, the wideout posted just seven catches for 81 yards with a score in six games. Samuel missed the final month of the regular season because of an elbow injury. But he was also a healthy scratch multiple times.
And the Bills weren’t exactly blessed with great receivers last season.
The Packers could probably find a better quality WR4 or 5 than Samuel this offseason.
As of June 21, the Packers have 10 wide receivers on their offseason roster. In addition to Williams, Watson, Reed, Moore and Golden, the team has wideout Bo Melton, Isaiah Neyor, Brenden Rice, and J. Michael Sturdivant.
Packers Urged to Add Former 2nd-Round WR Before Training Camp