The list of teams directly connected to free agent wideout DeAndre Hopkins has remained small in the aftermath of his visits to the Titans and Patriots. A new suitor may be on the fringes of the pursuit of the All-Pro, though. 
During an appearance on the Keyshawn, JWill & Max program, ESPN’s Sal Paolantonio named the Panthers as a team which is “lurking” with respect to Hopkins. Tennessee and New England have remained at the forefront of the 31-year-old’s situation, with the latter team in particular being touted as a logical destination. Carolina could stand to add another veteran to its receiver room, however.
The Panthers have already made a pair notable WR signings this offseason. Adam Thielen and DJ Chark have inked three- and one-year contracts, respectively, in Carolina, a team looking to take a signficant step forward in the passing game. Veteran tight end Hayden Hurst was brought in to help that effort, giving Carolina a number of experienced pass-catchers for rookie quarterback Bryce Young to work with. Second-round rookie Jonathan Mingo should also compete for a starting receiver spot.
Additionally, Joe Person of The Athletic cautions that while the Panthers will no doubt monitor Hopkins’ situation, they have more pressing roster holes at cornerback and edge rush in particular (Twitter link). The latter position is expected to see an addition at some point this summer, something which will eat into the team’s available cap space. As things currently stand, though, the Panthers have $26.6MM available – a far higher figure than the Patriots and Titans.
Paolantonio also mentioned the Browns as a team worth keeping an eye on regarding Hopkins. It was reported yesterday, though, that Cleveland is content with its receiver room as is, meaning a serious push for the five-time Pro Bowler is unlikely. It will be interesting to monitor how Carolina proceeds with their spending power as it pertains to Hopkins, who is set to remain patient for the time being as he considers his options.
No team is gonna pony up more money then he’s already been offered as xyz player getting hurt is still getting paid, he’s being foolish waiting out a big contract, he had 2 contenders who want him, odds are anyone willing to pay him more had no shot at a ring. Dude is only agreeing himself.
The issue with a wide receiver in Hopkins’s age group is that there’s a very good chance he could play four games or less in the coming season. Take Pierre Garçon, DeSean Jackson, OBJ – all of them struggled badly with injury post-30. Putting $10 million+ into a guy who mathematically won’t play more than 8 games for you is a pretty steep call.
Also AJ Green … he hit a wall quick. Once great but quickly average. OBJ will flop this year … he will either not produce to his stature or be hurt.
Also Julio Jones, fell off the face of the earth
The age thing may not concern the Panthers that much. WR Steve Smith was an All-Pro and Comeback Player of the Year for them at age 32.