T.Y. Hilton can’t be the only receiver making plays.
The Indianapolis Colts need more help at the receiver position and even though the franchise has made one trade this offseason, it shouldn’t stop them from making another deal.
After the Panthers signed former New York Jets receiver Robbie Anderson, Samuel became more expendable.
Should the Colts make a move?
How Did Samuel Become Available?
With Anderson signing with the Panthers, there are ramifications for Samuel.
D.J. Moore and Christian McCaffrey will be the premier weapons along with Anderson, so the Panthers could have an interest in partying with ways with the former 2017 second-round pick in Samuel.
It would all come down to compensation.
The Panthers are likely going to ask for a second-round pick since Samuel was drafted in the area.
However, the Colts traded away their first-round pick, and have two second-rounders.
The Colts likely want to hang onto their third-round pick (No. 75 overall), but could offer their fourth-round pick (No. 122 overall), or fifth-round pick (No. 160 overall).
The Stats Worth Bringing Over
In 2019, Samuel made his own impact.
The former Ohio State product averaged over 10 yards per reception and was top-20 in the league in air yards.
He was one of the best deep-ball threats for the Panthers last year.
Curtis Samuel dusting Lonnie Johnson on the release, which eventually draws a PI flag. Personally, I’d prefer this ball to be placed in front of him so he has a chance for 6 pic.twitter.com/Zhn9T3u5Wx
— Panthers Film (@PanthersFilm) September 30, 2019
His 2019 stats included 54 receptions for 627 yards and six touchdowns.
That was with backup quarterback Kyle Allen throwing the ball the majority of the season.
1st catch of the season.
1st career touchdown.
There was no denying Curtis Samuel.📺FOX pic.twitter.com/H7wsYYoJj9
— CBS Sports (@CBSSports) October 7, 2018
Other Options
The Colts could hope that CeeDee Lamb or Jerry Jeudy fall to the second round.
At No. 34, the Colts could realistically see either option there.
However, the Colts are looking to win now, which is why the team signed a 38-year old quarterback to a one-year deal.
That is why the trade market seems likely for this moment.
If the Panthers want a second-round pick, given that Samuel is a former second-rounder, it could get tricky.
However, it shouldn’t get to that since Anderson’s signing devalues Samuel.
The Final Answer
Honestly, this could go 50-50, which means there is no wrong answer.
The only wrong way about this trade is if the Colts get tricked into giving the Panthers their second or third-round pick.
Personally, I do not like the Colts giving up their third-round pick because it is a higher third-round pick.
Now, if GM Chris Ballard could swing a trade with the Panthers and send a fourth-round pick for Samuel, that would be gold.
The other side of the argument is that the Colts could draft a wide receiver too.
CeeDee Lamb could fall to the second round and he has similar traits to Samuel.
In 2019, Lamb finished the season with 1,327 yards and 14 touchdowns at Oklahoma.
At the combine, Lamb ran a 4.5-second, 40-yard dash.
All in all, it all comes down to compensation.
NEXT: Should The Colts Have Interest In Jameis Winston?