The No. 1 goal for the Carolina Panthers this offseason is to upgrade the supporting cast around quarterback Bryce Young. The first overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft had a brutal rookie season as the team didn’t provide him much of a chance to succeed out of the gates.
The Panthers lacked a No. 1 receiver, as they traded D.J. Moore to the Chicago Bears as part of the trade package to acquire Young. The running game was underwhelming throughout the season and the offensive line didn’t get the job done either.
Carolina has already taken steps toward improving around Young this offseason. Dave Canales, who was the offensive coordinator with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2023 and turned around Baker Mayfield, was hired as head coach.
NFL News & Rumors: Mike Evans, 2024 NFL Free Agency, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Carolina Panthers Updates
Canales will now be tasked with getting Young on track after a tough first season as a pro. Could he look to bring along some people from the Buccaneers with him to help achieve that goal?
Over at ESPN, Matt Bowen picked the 50 best free agents this offseason and their best fits. One of the players on that list is Buccaneers’ wide receiver Mike Evans, who came in at No. 12. In Bowen’s opinion, the best team fit for Evans in free agency this offseason is the Panthers.
“Evans could follow Panthers coach Dave Canales to Carolina after he had 1,255 receiving yards and a league-leading 13 touchdown catches in the same offensive system last season in Tampa Bay. Evans is still playing at an extremely high level, and he’d be an immediate (and needed) upgrade for Panthers quarterback Bryce Young as a multiple-level target with red zone upside,” wrote Bowen.
The Panthers are in desperate need of a No. 1 receiver to help Young in his development. Evans could certainly provide him that as he has shown no signs of slowing down, coming off yet another dominant season in 2023.
NFL News & Rumors: Mike Evans, 2024 NFL Free Agency, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Carolina Panthers Updates
He broke the 1,000-yard mark for the 10th straight season to begin his career, as he is as consistent of a producer as you’ll find in the NFL. Evans uses his size to his advantage to dominate all over the field, whether it is as a deep threat or in the end zone.
Adding him to the mix would take pressure off of younger players such as 2023 second-round pick Jonathan Mingo as well. Evans can assume the No. 1 spot, allowing everyone to fall in line behind him and develop accordingly.
Want the latest NFL and NCAA Football analysis, breaking news, and insider information? Click here. Interested in reading storylines and analysis about the NBA? Check out our partner NBA Analysis Network.
