Buffs in the NFL: Laviska Shenault headed for a breakout year in Carolina?

A huge year on the horizon for the former Colorado playmaker

Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports

The Carolina Panthers have a not-so-secret weapon in the offensive lineup. No, it’s not top-overall pick Bryce Young, but wide receiver Laviska Shenault could make the Bama prospect look like a stud this season.

A fresh start with the Panthers gave the third-year wideout hope his NFL career was getting back on track after being seldomly used over the course of his first two years in Jacksonville. Shenault became the yards-after-catch king of the league in 2022 with multiple breakaways including two to the house.

Panthers head coach Frank Reich hopes to use Viska more frequently in Carolina, more so than Matt Rhule ever did. He was asked two weeks ago how Shenault fits in the Panthers offensive scheme and there was no hiding his excitement.

“Laviska has been one of those guys out here that’s looked good,” Reich said. "We’ll continue to investigate the different roles he can play. Obviously, even if we have this grandiose plan, which maybe we do, but I wouldn’t reveal that here and now, all the different ways you can use him.

“You look at guys like Deebo Samuel and stuff like that and say, ‘can Laviska do some of that?’ Of course he can. We’ll experiment with some of that stuff. We’ll experiment with some of that stuff. Some of it will get incorporated and some of it won’t.”

Samuel and Shenault play a similar style with the 49ers star being featured as the go-to option in San Francisco’s attack. The only difference is the former Buffs’ standout hasn’t been featured as a top option yet. So, will this be a breakout year for Shenault?

Perhaps with Reich working a new offense with veterans Adam Thielen and D.J. Chark, Shenault’s opportunities as the third option will increase going into the season. A role fit for his style of play and a step-up in production value. Also, this marks a contract year for Shenault as he’ll need to make a splash for a legitimate offer to be put on the table.

Either way, Carolina will need Young to distribute the football like he did at Alabama to push past a 7-10 record last year. Shenault is in position to be the “X-factor” to help the rookie QB’s effort this season.