Carolina’s top position battle this preseason has gotten a little more high-stakes.
Two sources told the Observer on Wednesday that the Panthers are gauging trade interest in veteran punter Andy Lee and rookie kicker (and seventh-round draft pick) Harrison Butker.
Lee has competed in the spring and summer with left-footed punter Michael Palardy, who was signed to take over Lee’s duties last season when the latter tore his hamstring. Rivera has called the contest “even” thus far in the preseason, though Palardy does maintain a very slight net punting edge of 44.7 yards to Lee’s 43.8, with six live opportunities to Lee’s five.