The Carolina Panthers are entering an offseason with clarity and momentum. With general manager Dan Morgan, head coach Dave Canales, and quarterback Bryce Young firmly in place, the team is poised to make significant moves to accelerate their rebuild. ESPN analyst Dan Orlovsky believes one of those moves should be a blockbuster acquisition: signing Cincinnati Bengals star wide receiver Tee Higgins.
Why Tee Higgins Makes Sense for Carolina
Higgins, who played the 2024 season under the franchise tag, has become a popular name in Panthers circles. With the Bengals locked into a $275 million deal for quarterback Joe Burrow and expected to extend fellow star receiver Ja’Marr Chase, Higgins is likely to hit the open market.
Higgins’ skillset as a proven WR1 could immediately transform the Panthers’ passing attack. In 2024, he recorded:
- 73 receptions
- 911 yards
- 10 touchdowns (in just 12 games)
Over his five-year NFL career, Higgins has amassed 330 catches, 4,595 yards, and 34 touchdowns, solidifying his reputation as a reliable and dynamic playmaker. Pairing Higgins with Bryce Young would give the Panthers a game-changing weapon and help address lingering issues in their aerial attack.
The Panthers’ Need for a True WR1
While first-round pick Xavier Legette and undrafted rookie Jalen Coker showed flashes of potential, neither projects as a go-to receiver. Adding a proven star like Higgins would provide Young with a dependable target and take pressure off the young quarterback as he develops.
Higgins’ size, route-running, and ability to win contested catches would perfectly complement Carolina’s offense, giving them a centerpiece to build around in the passing game. As Orlovsky noted, Higgins would be “exactly the type of player Carolina needs to accelerate their rebuild.”
The Financial Landscape
After years of cycling through coaches and quarterbacks, the Panthers now have the opportunity to invest in a marquee player. Last offseason, they showed their willingness to spend big by signing offensive lineman Robert Hunt to a $100 million deal. With Bryce Young on a rookie contract, Carolina has the financial flexibility to make a similar splash.
Potential Obstacles
Acquiring Higgins won’t come cheap. With his production and potential, Higgins is likely to command a deal in the range of $20-25 million annually. The Panthers will also face competition from other receiver-needy teams, making it crucial for Carolina to act decisively.
A Game-Changer for Carolina
If the Panthers want to capitalize on Bryce Young’s rookie contract window and make a serious push for the playoffs, signing a top-tier receiver like Higgins could be the key. He would not only elevate Young’s performance but also give Carolina’s offense an identity and a foundation for sustained success.
This offseason could be the one where the Panthers finally make a bold move to cement themselves as contenders in the NFC South. Adding Tee Higgins would be a massive step in the right direction.