3 ideal WR targets for the NY Jets in 2024 free agency

2. The NY Jets could target Curtis Samuel

• Projected Market Value: 3 years, $35 million ($11.5 million AAV)

The next pass-catcher we can discuss is 27-year-old Curtis Samuel. The former Ohio State Buckeye has spent the last seven seasons between the Carolina Panthers and Washington Commanders and has put up serviceable numbers despite very inconsistent quarterback play.

Since 2021, his first season in Washington after signing a three-year, $34.5 million deal, Samuel has amassed just south of 1,300 receiving yards and 10 touchdowns.

This includes his 2021 campaign where he played just five games due to groin and hamstring injuries. That sample of production in the last three years is the best of any current Jets receiver not named Garrett Wilson.

Albeit his stats don't jump off the page, Samuel's game features elite speed and an above-average catch radius. He's certainly more of an under-the-radar name than some of the other available guys, but his speed and YAC ability would be a great addition to the offense.

A player's Combine workout metrics aren't always the best indicator of NFL success, but a 99th percentile 4.31 40-yard dash and above-average catch radius isn't something to scoff at, especially when Samuel has consistently shown that speed and catch ability at the NFL level.

In Samuel's seven-year career, he's played with 11 different starting quarterbacks, the most notable being Cam Newton. You can count the number of winning seasons he's had on one hand. Sound a little familiar?

Despite this, he's been a pretty productive wideout to this point in his career. In 2023, with Sam Howell throwing the passes, Samuel ranked fifth in true catch rate at 96.9% and top 25 among qualified receivers in separation and contested catch rate.

He's an efficient pass catcher who could fill the Jets slot receiver role well, whether that's as a deep threat or a gadget player.