Prior to the NFL trade deadline, the Carolina Panthers made an attempt to turn around their failing team. ESPN reports that Carolina attempted to sign Bengals wide out Tee Higgins and Raiders All-Pro wideout Davante Adams prior to the deadline of October 31. But neither team was prepared to part with their gifted wideout.

The two players have been the focus of trade discussions. A long-term Raiders player, Adams publicly voiced his dissatisfaction with his lack of participation in Las Vegas’ offense before Josh McDaniels was fired earlier this month. Adams signed a contract extension with the organization during the 2022 offseason. In the unlikely scenario that the Bengals opted to trade Higgins while he was still under contract, a number of clubs were allegedly interested in signing him.

Duke Tobin, general manager of the Bengals, shot down

Higgins or Adams would have undoubtedly benefited Bryce Young, the rookie quarterback for the Panthers and the first overall choice in the April draft. With the Panthers having the lowest record in the league at 1-8, Young has only won one of his eight games this season.

One of Carolina’s biggest problems has been the lack of depth at the position. Despite his impressive stats, no other Carolina player has more than 229 receiving yards than Adam Thielen. The second-leading receiver for the Panthers, D.J. Chark, with 17 grabs for 229 yards and three touchdowns.

If the two parties can’t come to an agreement on a long-term contract, Cincinnati would have to decide not to franchise tag Higgins in order for the Panthers to pursue him this summer. The wiser choice is