Why the Panthers Shouldn't Spend Big Money on a Receiver

Carolina has to be patient and not force an accelerated rebuild.

Two of the biggest and most obvious needs for the Carolina Panthers are wide receiver and offensive line. Although I do expect a heavy concentration on those two particular areas this offseason, I wouldn't get your hopes up for a big, splashy signing at receiver.

If the newly constructed front office wants to spend serious money, it's going to be up front, ensuring they can protect their franchise quarterback. They can't afford to have Bryce Young go through another season of being sacked 60+ times or else this experiment isn't going to last very long and then they are right back to square one. 

That doesn't mean the front office should turn a blind eye to the wide receiver room and they won't. But a free agent signing like Mike Evans or a trade involving Brandon Aiyuk seems and feels a little unrealistic. 

How so?

Well, for one, you can't fix all of your problems in one offseason. Not when you are coming off a 2-15 campaign and have as many holes as the Panthers do. 

The second part of this is the interest just isn't going to be there from top-tier free agents. I mean, let's be honest. If you were in their shoes, would you be willing to sign a multi-year deal in Carolina during your prime or toward the end of your career? Not with what we've seen over the last handful of years, no. Someone get Adam Thielen on the phone. He loves the organization and wants to be a part of this thing, but I'm sure if he knew what would happen in year one, he'd second guess his decision. 

Mike Evans' connection to Dave Canales won't be enough to convince a player of his caliber to hop on board. Plus, he only spent one year with him. It's not like they have a deep history. 

Lastly, you don't to make moves your not quite ready for, especially when you have limited draft capital. If this roster was built to win now, then sure, make a trade for Aiyuk. When you're making a move just to say you "fixed" a problem, you're likely putting yourself further behind the eight ball, creating a hole somewhere else.

Prioritize protecting Bryce Young. There will be several wide receivers in free agency and in this draft that can help improve the overall makeup of the room. It doesn't have to be a splashy signing and it shouldn't be - this team isn't ready for that type of move.

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

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