Curtis Samuel has signed with the Washington Football team. The news comes from Adam Schefter.
A 3-year $34.5 million deal lands Washington with one of the better free-agent receivers this offseason. With over $20 million on cap space, Washington is in desperate need of a playmaker opposite of Terry McLaurin and they get just that in Samuel.
Back in 2014, both Samuel and McLaurin were teammates at Ohio State, and rejoin once again in Washington.
Curtis Samuel does not have the same name recognition as most receivers in this free-agent class but does have similar potential to all of them. Previously viewed as a gadget player, Samuel proved this year he can play as a true receiver at a high level.
Originally a running back in college at Ohio State, Curtis Samuel possesses the skillset to line up all over the field and be a dynamic weapon for any team. Samuel was a raw athlete when transitioning to a receiver in the NFL, boasting 4.31 speed. Samuel seemed to put it all together this year, going for over 1,000 scrimmage yards on 77 receptions and an impressive 79% catch rate (3rd best amongst wide receivers).
An abysmal Washington offense will give Curtis Samuel way more of an opportunity than he had in Carolina. Playing behind both DJ Moore and Robby Anderson last season, Samuel did not reach his full potential. The change of scenery and less competition for targets will help Samuel realize that potential.
Recently signing Ryan Fitzpatrick and star cornerback William Jackson, Washington has been busy this offseason. And after the Samuel deal, Washington has more than enough money left to sign more difference-makers this offseason.
