NFL Trade Rumors: Carolina Panthers unlikely to trade up for Sammy Watkins or Mike Evans

Aug 9, 2013; Charlotte, NC, USA; Carolina Panthers team logo on the sideline before the game against the Chicago Bears at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 9, 2013; Charlotte, NC, USA; Carolina Panthers team logo on the sideline before the game against the Chicago Bears at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe-USA TODAY Sports /
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Aug 9, 2013; Charlotte, NC, USA; Carolina Panthers team logo on the sideline before the game against the Chicago Bears at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 9, 2013; Charlotte, NC, USA; Carolina Panthers team logo on the sideline before the game against the Chicago Bears at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe-USA TODAY Sports /

The Carolina Panthers need wide receivers, and the fan base that has watched their team pass on top wide receiver free agents are holding out hope that the issue will be solved in the draft. It’s a deep receiver class this year but fans hoping for Carolina to trade up and grab someone like Sammy Watkins or Mike Evans will be disappointed.

According to ESPN’s Panthers blogger David Newton, the Panthers are unlikely to move up ten spots to draft a top receiver as they’d rather hang onto the second and third round picks they’d have to give up.

Per ESPN.com:

"Probably a second-round pick, no lower than third if that. I don’t think general manager Dave Gettleman will be willing to give up either with the draft deep at wide receiver and tackle, both need positions."

There are other guys in the draft who may not be as flashy as Evans or Watkins but could be just as solid. That’s what the Panthers are banking on and it’s clear they’d better hit a home run or the fan base may fully turn on management.