Carolina is by no means a frontrunner heading into the 2023-24 NFL season, but how does that change if the Panthers sign DeAndre Hopkins? Would the shocking move even make sense for either party?
On May 26, 2023, the Arizona Cardinals released Hopkins, the team’s star wide receiver. The Cardinals are entering a rebuilding phase, and decided to let Hopkins go after a failed period of looking for a suitable trade. Ever since, his free agency has been one of the biggest stories as we grow closer to the start of next season.
For the most part, Hopkins’ name has been thrown around as an option for teams in position to contend. This includes Super Bowl favorites like the Buffalo Bills and Kansas City Chiefs. His name has also been mentioned for those who may be just a piece away, such as the New England Patriots and Tennessee Titans.
Along with commenting on New England’s status in the hunt, Sal Paolantonio dropped some surprising news about the situation. He claims that two unexpected teams may still be in the hunt. One of those is the Carolina Panthers.
Upside for Hopkins
It’s been well documented that Hopkins would like to sign with a contender. The Panthers aren’t seen as a team that could go to the Super Bowl, but the addition of Hopkins in a newly weakened NFC South would give them a great shot at a division title.
Calling the Carolinas home wouldn’t be anything new for Hopkins. He grew up in Clemson, South Carolina, just over two hours away from Charlotte. He even attended Clemson University before being drafted by the Houston Texans in 2013.
Unlike some of the top teams, the Panthers could easily afford to give Hopkins a deserving contract. They sit third in the entire league in remaining cap space, only trailing the Bears and Cardinals. Should Hopkins decide to return to the Carolinas, he’d likely be in for a much bigger payday.
Downside for Hopkins
An unproven quarterback could potentially deter Hopkins from considering Carolina. Bryce Young found incredible success at Alabama, but has yet to take a snap in an NFL game. Hopkins may not be willing to stake what could be the final years of his prime on an unknown.
It’s also worth noting that while an NFC South title is a strong possibility, a Super Bowl appearance is a long shot for Carolina. Despite some of the favorable aspects of becoming a Panther, he almost certainly wouldn’t be able to contend for a ring this season. This gives teams like the Bills and Chiefs a leg up in the race to sign Hopkins, as well as other veteran talents.
Upside for the Panthers
Hopkins would give Carolina a major veteran presence on the offensive side of the ball. At 31, he’s only one year younger than Adam Thielen, but is considered to be much closer to his prime. Signing Hopkins would give Young a solidified top wide receiver going into his rookie year.
Hopkins would likely always draw the attention of the opposing team’s top cornerback, freeing up other pass-catchers to do more damage. This could help some of the younger receivers to build confidence and grow accustomed to the offense.
Both Terrace Marshall Jr. and Jonathan Mingo have a similar play style and physical build to Hopkins. Time spent learning from him would dramatically help their progression as players, preparing them to become the team’s top receivers. This offers long-term benefits for the Panthers, along with an immediate boost to their offense.
Finally, winning the Hopkins sweepstakes could send a league-wide message about the team forming in Carolina. If he trusts a freshly rebuilt team and coaching staff enough to sign, other free agents down the line may consider doing the same.
Downside for the Panthers
While Hopkins is likely to assist the young players growth, he may not be as helpful as in-game opportunities. There could be a lack of immediate success, but stepping up as the team’s top receivers might help Marshall and Mingo more than any one person could.
Additionally, the ideal situation is for both of the aforementioned young guns to have a long stint as primary receivers in Carolina. Building chemistry with Bryce Young from the get-go could better situate the team as future contenders.
Even with a more dynamic offense on the table, wide receiver simply isn’t the team’s biggest position of need. Based on a glance over the roster, the team should be more concerned with depth at edge and cornerback. With players such as Jadeveon Clowney, Yannick Ngakoue and Marcus Peters still available, those positions may take priority regarding the use of the remaining cap space.
Final Thoughts
You’d be hard-pressed to find a Panthers fan who isn’t ready to see the team finally contend again. There’s almost no doubt that Hopkins would be a major step in that direction. Bringing a star like him into the organization would set the tone for this new era in Carolina. He might be just what the Panthers need in order to grab their first division title since 2015.
With that being said, the timeline may not be right for either party. Hopkins is looking for immediate success, while the Panthers are hoping to develop young talent. A return to the Carolinas certainly isn’t out of the question, but it’s clear why the Panthers aren’t the most obvious choice.
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Featured image courtesy of the Arizona Cardinals
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