Curtis Samuel to Washington, per report

Coming into NFL free agency, there was hope the Cincinnati Bengals would add another impact pass-catcher for Joe Burrow to play with.

Well, the team has reportedly made an offer for former Detroit Lions Pro Bowl receiver Kenny Golladay. However, it looks like the New York Giants are the favorites in that battle, so the Bengals may have to look elsewhere.

Unfortunately, one of their other possible options is now off the board completely, as Curtis Samuel is reportedly joining the Washington Football Team on a three-year deal, per Adam Schefter.

Samuel, who’s spent his entire four-year career with the Carolina Panthers, looked like an ideal target for a team like the Bengals since he’s not your typical pass-catching receiver. He’s used more as an offensive weapon who also gets significant touches out of the backfield.

This past season, Samuel caught 77 balls on 97 targets for 851 yards and three scores for while adding 41 runs for 200 yards and two scores. Because the Bengals already have Tyler Boyd, Tee Higgins and Auden Tate, a guy like Samuel who can make an impact at receiver and out of the backfield made him a sneaky-good target.

Of course, there’s also the fact Samuel was a star for THE Ohio State, so one would think he would have had some interest in signing with one of the NFL’s two Ohio teams.

Alas, Samuel is now off the board, and if the Bengals miss on Golladay, there won’t be many quality options left at wide receiver.