By: Anthony Evangelista
The Carolina Panthers head into the 2025 offseason with a solid receiving core. It’s nothing flashy or spectacular, but with young weapons Xavier Legette and Jalen Coker coupled with ever-so-efficient Adam Thielen, there are holes in Carolina’s roster more deserving of attention. With that being said, added artillery for Bryce Young to throw to would never hurt the offense’s ability to get down the field. Whether it’s in free agency, by trade, or attacking the position in the draft, Carolina has the chance to head into the season with some new playmakers that will surely make a difference.
#1- Tee Higgins, Cincinnati Bengals (FA)
It seems unlikely that Higgins will leave Cincinnati, but if he does, expect a massive asking price for the 25-year-old stud. Higgins has dealt with his share of injuries over his five-year career, but has shown to be an extremely talented pass-catcher with another decade of football left in the tank. While a college-town discount isn’t likely (Higgins attended Clemson), Higgins is the most appealing free-agent target by far.
Embed from Getty Images#2- DK Metcalf, Seattle Seahawks (Trade)
Metcalf has been a big part of Seattle’s offense since he was drafted in 2019. However, after a breakout season from Jaxon Smith-Njigba in 2024, Metcalf heads into a contract year expecting a similar deal to his last one, which the Seahawks will most likely not be willing to pay. At the age of 27, his trade value isn’t going to drain many assets for a team like Carolina, who could add the explosive receiver and immediately boost their passing game.
#3- Tyreek Hill, Miami Dolphins (Trade)
Speaking of explosive receivers, Hill clearly showed disdain for the Dolphins organization after their disappointing season in 2024. Despite backtracking his statement, Hill could still be a name on the trade market, one that could instantly change the culture for the Panthers. It’s much more likely for bonafide contenders to be Hill’s preferred destination, but don’t be shocked if Carolina is in the mix if his name continues to come up on the rumor mill.
#4- Chris Godwin, Tampa Bay Buccaneers (FA)
Godwin was one of the most efficient receivers in the NFL before his season-ending injury in 2024. As he hits free agency, he might look for a fresh start from Tampa, where he’s played second-fiddle to Mike Evans all these years. Reuniting with Dave Canales in Carolina might be on the table, as the Panthers could look to pair the 28-year-old with his first opportunity to be a true WR1 in his career.
#5- Elic Ayomanor, Stanford (Draft)
The first incoming rookie on this list, Ayomanor has been quietly overlooked in draft coverage thus far. While the draft is still over two months away, Ayomanor is projected to slip into the second round, something the Panthers should absolutely take advantage of. Ayomanor put up two strong seasons at Stanford, profiling very similarly to other receivers Carolina has taken in the past. His physicality and ball-tracking ability make him a valuable threat on the field, and the only reason he’s not graded in the first-round is due to his injury history, which he is over a year removed from. If his durability is something the Panthers are willing to take a risk from, they may reap some extreme benefits.
#6- Jack Bech, TCU (Draft)
An extremely reliable wide receiver with big-play ability, Bech has been a crucial part of the Horned Frogs’ offense since 2023. With a similar style to Puka Nacua and Cooper Kupp, Bech is a player that will contribute as much as he’s on the field. Projected to go in the early third round, Bech may climb up draft boards in the coming months, especially after his performance in the Senior Bowl. A scheme fit with the Panthers, Bech could be an instant contributor in an offense the minute he steps onto NFL turf.
Embed from Getty Images#7- Marquise Brown, Kansas City Chiefs (FA)
Brown was expected to be a massive part of Kansas City’s passing attack in 2024, but suffered an injury early in the year that sidelined him until the end of the regular season. He showed off his full recovery when he returned, putting up 9 receptions for 91 yards in his two regular season games and contributing in the playoffs. His speed makes him a deep-threat against any cornerback, making him a slightly cheaper option for Carolina to go after in free agency. Only 27, Brown still has a lot to prove in his career- why not let it happen in blue and black?
#8- Darius Slayton, New York Giants (FA)
A player that has spent his entire career in New York, Slayton was never given the proper opportunity to break out. Despite poor quarterback play, Slayton has been extremely consistent in his five years as a Giant, putting up four seasons with over 700 yards. His leadership in New York’s locker room has been commended, garnering praise from members of the Giants coaching staff and even being named a nominee for the Walter Payton Man of the Year award. Slayton could be a key addition to Carolina’s receiver room, as he could show off talent that has been hindered by the arm of Daniel Jones for far too long.
#9- Tetairoa McMillan, Arizona (Draft)
McMillan is the most talented receiver in this year’s draft. However, he’s lower on this list than other incoming rookies because it doesn’t seem feasible for Carolina to draft him. Sure, there’s a good chance he’s on the board when their first-round pick rolls around, but the Panthers have too many holes on their defense to draft a receiver that early. However, if they end up deciding McMillan is the guy, Panthers fans (and Bryce Young, especially) shouldn’t necessarily be upset. McMillan has been beyond dominant in college, and his ceiling in the NFL is a bronze bust in Canton, Ohio. Placing McMillan in the Panthers’ offense would instantly make them more explosive, and Carolina fans would have a blast watching the Arizona Wildcat make plays for a different feline team. They just might have to shield their eyes when the defense is on the field.
#10- Elijah Moore, Cleveland Browns (FA)
Since being picked #34 in 2021, Moore’s career has panned out differently than he would’ve expected. After only two seasons with the Jets, frustration with his usage brought him to the Browns, where it didn’t improve by much. Moore has not proven much in his four-year career, but a new team could be rewarded for signing the receiver that’s only 24-years-old. Moore isn’t far removed from his explosive collegiate career at Ole Miss, and Carolina could reignite the spark in his playmaking that made him a Biletnikoff Award finalist less than five (!!) years ago.
HONORABLE MENTION- Diontae Johnson (FA)
Would it work out? No, probably not. Would it be fun? Maybe! Only one way to find out. Your move, Dan Morgan.
