The question that hangs over the Carolina Panthers is if Bryce Young and the rest of his offense can spread the field vertically.

That answer hasn't materialized consistently to this point in the season. However, a big part of creating positive plays in the verticle passing game falls on the shoulders of the receiver group. According to Bleacher Report, the Panthers are one of six teams primed to make a move for Tee Higgins of the Cincinnati Bengals sooner rather than later. 

With receivers like Terrace Marshall Jr., Jonathan Mingo, Adam Thielen, and Laviska Shenault Jr. still trying to find their stride, a trade for a player like Higgins could give Young the No. 1 option he needs to open up his passing game, similar to how he played while at Alabama. 

Take a look at what Bleacher Report had to say about the potential move: 

The Panthers have some promising young receivers who could eventually become better than they are right now. Terrace Marshall Jr. and Jonathan Mingo saw a combined 11 targets against Atlanta and have unmet potential.

But bringing in a receiver like Higgins would be a force multiplier in the receiver room. The attention that he commands would open up things for everyone else and give Young a true No. 1 receiver to rely on as he continues his growth.

The Panthers are currently projected to have $49.7 million in cap space in 2024, with defensive end Brian Burns and cornerback C.J. Henderson highlighting their in-house free agent class. They should be able to get Higgins in under the cap and raise the ceiling of Young and their offense considerably.

Through two weeks, the Bengals offense has looked inconsistent at best and downright awful at worst. 

Meanwhile, Kelsey Conway of the Cincinnati Enquirer reported that Higgins and the Bengals are still miles away from a contract extension. 

She also reported that he "is not believed to be in the Bengals' future plans."

Adding legs to Conway's reporting is that through the first two games, Higgins has caught eight passes for 89 yards. All of his offensive production came in Week 2 against the Baltimore Ravens after an eight-target, no-catch game against the Cleveland Browns in Week 1. 

This means the Panthers sneaking in to trade for Higgins, though it would be shooting for the stars, is a plausible possibility. 

After the Panthers traded the team's No. 1 receiver to select Young, it has left the receiver room devoid of elite talent to help push Young over the top during his rookie season. 

Higgins could be that answer. His presence in the Panthers' wide receiver room immediately takes it from a B-minus group to an A. It's a move that would net Young the needed help to flourish quicker. And it is a move that would indicate the Panthers are serious about winning faster with Young than any other regime in franchise history. 

Anyone can argue the likelihood of a deal happening. That is fair. But one truth will always ring out: Great teams take advantage of other team's misfortune. This could be an opportunity for the Panthers to do the same. 

Help for Young may be on the way sooner than many expect. 

Panthers QB Bryce Young set to breakout because he’s too ‘stubborn’ to fail

Carolina Panthers quarterback Bryce Young didn’t enjoy how he played against the Atlanta Falcons in Week 1.

Feature image via Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports.