Panthers 2021 WR review: Who will step up as the new No. 3 option?

Over the next few weeks, we’re taking a look at each position on the Panthers 2021 squad, evaluating the changes since 2020 and projecting the unit’s outlook for this season.

Following our evaluations of the quarterbacks and the running backs, we’ll turn to Sam Darnold’s primary pass-catchers: the wide receivers.

Major changes: Three new names

In a division stacked with some of the best wide receiver duos in the league, Carolina’s cornerbacks have historically been shredded in games that matter. Thankfully, the Panthers finally have their own threat in the form of the emerging and underappreciated tandem of D.J. Moore and Robby Anderson. Moore, who put up a career-high 1193 yards in 2020, returns to the field in 2021 as the team’s surefire WR1. Anderson, who also set a new career milestone with his first 1000-yard receiving season in 2020, looks to improve even further as he reunites with Darnold.

The changes in 2021 come behind Moore and Anderson, starting with a new WR3. Curtis Samuel, who led all Panthers receivers in catch percentage, signed with the Washington Football Team this offseason after Carolina couldn’t beat the three-year, $34.5 million deal that Ron Rivera’s team offered.

In an attempt to compensate for the loss, the Panthers signed former Seahawks deep-threat David Moore to a bargain deal worth just under $2.4 million per year. While Moore was their only major free agency move at the position, the team invested plenty of draft capital into the position, too.

They drafted former LSU WR Terrace Marshall, Jr. in the second round, adding another red-zone threat and Joe Brady connection to a stacked receiver room. To top things off, Carolina also selected the versatile receiver Shi Smith in the sixth round, shortly after he impressed Matt Rhule and co. at the 2021 Reese’s Senior Bowl.

The big question: Who can step up in place of Curtis Samuel?

Although the Panthers invested in the position heavily this offseason, Samuel will still be missed. Last season, Samuel was one of the league’s most reliable third-down options. Beyond that, Samuel provided a unique versatility that kept defenses guessing, lining up anywhere from the outside to the slot to the backfield. It will be difficult to replace everything that Samuel brought to the table.

The anticipated return of franchise running back Christian McCaffrey should help some, but another receiver will need to step up and help take the pressure off Moore and Anderson. Before the draft, the most likely candidate was Moore. The former seventh-round pick was a speedster in Seattle, totaling 1163 yards and 13 touchdowns on 78 receptions in his four-year career there. While Moore has shown some potential and versatility, he’s not in Samuel’s league.

Perhaps the best option will be Terrace Marshall Jr., who could benefit from plenty of red-zone targets right away. At LSU in 2020, Marshall led the team with 10 touchdowns in just seven games, following up a 2019 campaign that saw him score 13 touchdowns in 12 games. Despite being a late-round pick, Shi Smith offers versatility and will help bridge the gap that opened up with Samuel’s loss.

Better or worse? Better

Despite losing Curtis Samuel, this wide receiver room looks deeper and comprehensively more talented than last year. The biggest improvement should come in the red zone thanks to the addition of Marshall. From top to bottom, this is one of the most talented groups of receivers the Panthers have seen in years.