Panthers Tabbed as a 'Best Fit' for Courtland Sutton, DeAndre Hopkins

Carolina is in need of a receiver...or two.

The Panthers signed Adam Thielen to a three-year, $25 million deal a few days ago but that won't be the only addition the organization will make to the wide receiver room. 

GM Scott Fitterer is still searching for a vertical threat to help replace the loss of DJ Moore, who was included in the blockbuster trade with Chicago in exchange for the top pick in this year's draft. 

Free agent D.J. Chark has had talks with the team, but there are also a couple of options that Carolina could look at via trade - Arizona's DeAndre Hopkins and Denver's Courtland Sutton. Both of which were linked to the Panthers as the "best fit" by Sam Monson of Pro Football Focus. 

Initially, Arizona wanted a second-round pick and "something else of value" for Hopkins, according to Sports Illustrated's Albert Breer. Now, Breer reports that the price has changed. "Based on indications I’ve gotten, that sort of return simply isn’t coming. I do think he’ll bring back more than Brandin Cooks did for the Texans—Houston got a 2023 fifth-rounder and ’24 sixth-rounder for him from the Cowboys—but it’ll probably be closer to that than what Arizona is looking for."

Breer also notes that teams with a rookie quarterback will likely be eliminated as a possible trade destination. 

So, that turns things to Courtland Sutton, who has been really productive throughout his five-year career. Since suffering a torn ACL in 2020, Sutton has bounced back with two strong campaigns. Over the last two years, he has caught 122 passes for 1,605 yards, and four touchdowns. He is under contract through his age 30 season in 2025, but there is a potential out following this season. He carries an $18.2 cap hit in 2023.

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