WR Mike Evans to 'Explore His Options' in Free Agency

A big-name receiver is officially on the market. Can the Panthers make a play?

One of the free agent wide receivers most linked to the Carolina Panthers has been Mike Evans of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. 

The main and really only reason for that connection is due to the one year that new head coach Dave Canales spent with Evans, who called his former offensive coordinator a "brilliant mind."

It's not a matter of if the Panthers will spend money in an attempt to improve its wide receiver room, but how much are they going to be willing to dish out? 

In theory, adding a guy like Evans eliminates a lot of the issues the Panthers had in the passing game. However, it might not be the right time to spend large amounts of cash on someone when you're coming off a 2-15 season. That said, anything is possible. 

Yesterday, a report surfaced from Dianna Russini of The Athletic stating that Evans "wants to explore his options in free agency," but is still in discussions with Tampa Bay.

Bleacher Report's Jordan Schultz also provided an update on Evans' status via his representation.

"Just spoke with Mike Evans’ agent, Deryk Gilmore, who says: “Mike wants to play with an elite quarterback in an offense that will showcase him — and be paid like a top wide receiver. He doesn’t want to play with a rookie QB. Winning a Super Bowl is a key priority.”

Although Bryce Young isn't a rookie quarterback, I'd find it difficult to believe that he would view this situation in Carolina very attractive. Winning a Super Bowl or even reaching one for that matter, is not in the cards for this franchise anytime soon. There's a lot of work that has to be done to get this thing turned around and the veteran receiver will have several more options that suit his needs.

Then again, crazier things have happened in this league.

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