Panthers Named 'Best Fit' for Three Top 50 Free Agents

Free agency is just around the corner and the expectation is that the Carolina Panthers are going to spend the majority of their time addressing the offensive side of the football and reasonably so.

Matt Bowen of ESPN recently pegged the Panthers as the "best fit" for free agent wide receive Mike Evans, offensive lineman Trent Brown, and of course, Brian Burns.

Mike Evans

"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."

Trent Brown

"The offensive line in Carolina played subpar football in the 2023 season. But adding a 6-foot-8, 370-pounder to play the left tackle spot -- while moving Ikem Ekwonu inside to guard -- would help turn things around. Brown can use his massive frame to absorb power rushers, and despite his limited foot quickness, he's better in space than you'd think. The Panthers took 65 sacks (tied for second most) last season, so improvements are a must."

Signing Evans may make a lot of sense from a need and relationship standpoint, but I would be surprised if Carolina seriously enters the mix. Evans will command a pricey contract and for a team coming off a two-win season, I'm not sure spending big money is the route to go, even at a position of need. There's no need to shortcut the rebuild.

As far as Brown is concerned, I can get on board with that. I'm a proponent of kicking Ekownu to guard and bringing in a quality veteran who gives you a sense of relief that Bryce Young will remain on his feet more often than not.

FOX Sports' Craig Carton Says Bryce Young 'Belongs in the UFL'

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