The Carolina Panthers didn't actually fumble the crown jewel of this year's free-agent market. The New England Patriots, rather, really just stole it.
On Monday, during the early stages of the legal tampering period, multiple reports suggested that the Panthers were closing in on a deal with former Philadelphia Eagles defensive lineman Milton Williams. But, obviously, they did not close completely.
That development spawned more competition for the Super Bowl LIX champion, as the Arizona Cardinals and Minnesota Vikings reportedly entered the fray soon after.