AE #29

Akayleb Evans

Cornerback · Missouri

A fourth-round pick out of Missouri, Akayleb Evans started a full season at cornerback for Minnesota before finding a new home in Carolina.

Akayleb Evans arrived in the league as a Reese's Senior Bowl invite out of Missouri and quickly worked his way into a starting cornerback role in Minnesota. After losing that job to veteran additions and being waived, he landed with Carolina, where he now looks to rebuild his role in the secondary.

★ Reese's Senior Bowl invitee out of Missouri

★ Fourth-round pick, No. 118 overall in the 2022 NFL Draft

★ 15 starts, 65 tackles, one interception and seven passes defensed in 2023

Path to the league

Evans capped his college career at Missouri with 30 tackles, an interception, six pass breakups and two forced fumbles in his lone season with the Tigers, a performance that earned him a Reese's Senior Bowl invitation. The Vikings traded up to take him in the fourth round, 118th overall, in the 2022 NFL Draft.

Career highlights

After a rookie year limited by concussions, Evans broke out in 2023, starting all 15 games he appeared in for Minnesota and racking up 65 tackles, an interception, seven passes defensed and three forced fumbles. That season stands as the clear high point of his career to date.

2025 season recap

Evans lost his starting job in Minnesota after the 2023 season once the Vikings brought in veteran cornerback help, and he was waived in November 2024 before Carolina claimed him off waivers. He has been working to reestablish himself in the Panthers' secondary since that move.