Akayleb Evans

Career StatsF

Year	Team	GP	INT	PD	Tkl
Career		50	1	10	105
2025		16	0	0	12
2024		9	0	1	5
2023		15

Current Contract

Contract Value Index (CVI)

The Carolina Panthers secured a low-risk flyer with solid upside potential, landing Akayleb Evans on a bargain $1.4M AAV deal that earns a C+ CVI. For an unproven cornerback still developing his NFL identity, this one-year contract represents smart roster construction — the Panthers get an affordable lottery ticket on a young defensive back without committing significant guaranteed money beyond the modest $600K. Evans enters a crucial prove-it year where he can either establish himself as a legitimate NFL contributor or fade into the replacement-level tier, making the minimal financial commitment particularly shrewd given cornerback market inflation. The contract structure heavily favors Carolina with limited downside risk, as they can easily move on if Evans doesn't develop while maintaining the flexibility to extend him if he breaks out. This represents exactly the type of calculated gamble rebuilding teams should make — investing in young talent at premium positions without handicapping future cap flexibility, even if the immediate on-field impact remains uncertain.

Performance Analysis

Akayleb Evans earns an F for the Panthers at cornerback, which is about as damning a verdict as you will find at the position. Evans has been torched in coverage repeatedly and does not have the recovery speed to make up for lapses in technique. Carolina's secondary has been one of the worst in football, and Evans has been a primary culprit. Receivers have gotten behind him with alarming ease, turning what should be contested throws into easy completions. The Panthers are in full rebuild mode, and corner is near the top of the list of positions that need a complete overhaul.

Fan Sentiment

A sensible depth retention that keeps Carolina's cornerback room intact heading into next season. Multiple outlets confirmed the move, pairing Evans with fellow re-signing Robert Rochell in a low-risk roster refresh. The one-year structure signals limited organizational confidence but smart financial flexibility for the Panthers. Fans see this as uninspiring but practical, especially given Carolina's pressing needs at other positions. Evans projects as a rotational corner who must outperform his deal to earn a longer commitment.