7 free agency bargains the Vikings should consider in 2024

Bargain Free Agent No. 5

Curtis Samuel - WR

2023 Team: Washington Commanders

The Vikings for 2024 require a dependable third receiver. However, K.J. Osborn, who is soon to be a free agent, has shown that he's not the right option for the team.

In this scenario, if Minnesota chooses to search for a new third receiver through free agency, they could find it to be a cost-effective option.

One potential candidate could be Curtis Samuel, who spent the 2023 season with the Washington Commanders and was previously with the Carolina Panthers.

Curtis Samuel is often seen as a typical No. 3 wide receiver, with his career year of 850 receiving yards in 2020. He may not be the ideal leading receiver for a team, but he's known for his dynamic playmaking abilities when he's healthy.

Samuel has a versatile skill-set, excelling not only as a receiver but also in the running game. Some might consider him an enhanced version of Brandon Powell.

Samuel spent his first four years with the Panthers before landing with the Commanders.

After he was drafted in 2017, he was expected to be one of Carolina's top receivers and help them make it to the playoffs each season. But now, he's probably at a point in his career where he may just be a journeyman receiver until he retires.

Nonetheless, he could still play a valuable role in Kevin O'Connell's offense, particularly as a slot receiver or a rusher in jet sweeps. Samuel's speed makes him effective as a deep threat, but he may not be the best option as an outside receiver.