As the Carolina Panthers and general manager Dan Morgan begin to prepare for the offseason, the 2026 NFL free agency period will be a major talking point amongst the fanbase.

While many believe that Morgan will try to focus on the defensive side of the ball, there is a chance that the organization could add a veteran offensive playmaker into the mix before the 2026 NFL season.

In his most recent article discussing which former players for Canales could sign with the Panthers this offseason, Dean Jones suggested Tampa Bay Buccaneers star wide receiver Mike Evans as a potential free agent target.

“Mike Evans has been a thorn in Carolina's side from the moment he entered the league as a first-round pick in 2014,” Jones wrote. “The wide receiver suffered injury problems last season, ending his phenomenal streak of going over 1,000 receiving yards every year. It's highly unlikely that Tampa Bay lets him leave, but he may need to take a pay cut to stick around.”

Evans, who has been a staple of the Buccaneers’ offense over the past 12 years, is coming off his first season with less than 1,000 receiving yards due to an injury he sustained last year. However, the veteran pass catcher remains one of the most respected wide receivers in the NFL, having recorded over 13,000 receiving yards and 108 touchdowns throughout his career.

Standing at 6-foot-5, 231 pounds, Evans was one of the main wide receivers to be a true “jump-ball” playmaker, capable of catching any ball thrown in his direction. Now, there’s a good chance that the Evans could hit the free agent market, as Tampa Bay’s wide receiver corps contains multiple young, up-and-coming wide receivers.

However, adding the prolific wideout this offseason may not be the correct signing for the Panthers.

Carolina’s current cap situation is grim, as the organization has roughly $14 million in space heading into the offseason. And while Morgan and the front office could clear up more space, signing a wide receiver that shares a similar skillset to reigning Rookie of the Year Award winner Tetairoa McMillan seems very unlikely.

In addition to potentially adding another pass catcher alongside McMillan and Jalen Coker, Carolina also needs to find a veteran pass rusher to pair with rising second-year pass rusher Nic Scourton.

Using their resources on a proven defensive end is a better option for the Panthers, who struggled to get after opposing quarterbacks in 2025.

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