As Frank Reich steps into his new role as head coach of the Carolina Panthers, he is looking to completely revitalize the team's offense. Reich's latest idea has the Panthers using one of their current receivers in a similar role to Deebo Samuel of the San Francisco 49ers.
Carolina is planning to experiment using Laviska Shenault in a ‘Deebo Samuel type role,' via Ari Meirov of The 33rd Team. While Samuel's shoes are plenty big to fill, Reich thinks Shenault is up for the challenge.
“You look at guys like Deebo Samuel and stuff like that and you say, ‘Well can Laviska do some of that stuff,” Reich asked hypothetically. “Of course he can.”
While Samuel is primarily a wide receiver for the 49ers, San Francisco has also used him as a multi-purpose running back. Over the past two seasons, Samuel has received 101 rushing attempts. As Reich crafts his offense, he will look to see if he can see Shenault in similar versatile fashion.
Laviska Shenault was originally a second-round pick by the Jacksonville Jaguars. However, he was traded to Carolina in 2022. His first season with the Panthers saw him catch 27 passes for 272 yards and a touchdown over 13 games.
Shenault hasn't had the NFL career many expected after going in the second round. However, he was an electric weapon during his time at Colorado. Not only did he gain 1,943 yards and 10 touchdowns through the air, but Shenault also ran for 280 yards and seven additional scores.
Coming into Carolina, Frank Reich is expected to bring some fresh offensive ideas. Using Shenault as the Panthers' Deebo Samuel would give both the team and the wide receiver an extra explosive element.
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