The Carolina Panthers are openly seeking to enhance their wide receiver corps during this offseason. The real question lies in their financial commitment to this endeavor. Will they allocate substantial funds towards acquiring a prominent, established primary receiver? Alternatively, might they opt for moderate yet effective signings to bolster the overall depth of the group? It appears the latter is more probable. Leading up to the onset of free agency, numerous free agent receivers are being associated with the Panthers. Notably, Mike Evans and Calvin Ridley, both impending free agents, emerge as potential candidates for Carolina should they pursue top-tier talent. BetOnline suggests that the Panthers hold the fourth-best odds of securing Evans (if he doesn’t remain with Tampa Bay) and the sixth-best odds of acquiring Ridley (if he doesn’t stay with Jacksonville).
Best odds to sign Mike Evans
Kansas City Chiefs +200 New York Jets +300 Chicago Bears +500 Carolina Panthers +700 Buffalo Bills +900
Best odds to sign Calvin Ridley
The odds provided by BetOnline depict the likelihood of various teams acquiring the mentioned free agents. With the Atlanta Falcons leading at +200 and the Kansas City Chiefs following at +500, it’s evident that the Panthers face stiff competition. Given the current state of the franchise, it would indeed be surprising if the Panthers managed to secure either player. Players of Evans’ and Ridley’s caliber typically seek teams with strong potential for success, which isn’t guaranteed in Carolina at present. While Evans shares a previous relationship with head coach Dave Canales, it’s doubtful that this connection would outweigh the allure of returning to the Buccaneers or potentially joining forces with Patrick Mahomes in Kansas City, should the opportunity arise.
