The Carolina Panthers’ chances of mounting a surprise NFC South championship challenge just got more difficult after Rob Gronkowski was traded to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
The arrival of prolific tight end Rob Gronkowski could have huge implications for the Carolina Panthers’ chances in 2020.
The former New England Patriot is returning to the NFL after one-year of retirement and has opted to join Tom Brady at the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The two sides worked out a trade that sends Gronkowski and a seventh-round pick to the Bucs’ in exchange for a fourth-round selection.
This sent shockwaves through the NFL on Tuesday and only increased expectations in Tampa. The trade could also have a lasting impact on the NFC South title race if the tight end performs to the standard he is capable of.
That is a big if. Gronkowski has been away from the game for a season and was often injured during his time in the league. One thing’s for sure, if the player comes back to anything like his best then it could be the missing piece of the puzzle for the Buccaneers’ offense.
They still need an established running back and more protection on the offensive line. But the allure of Brady is also reaping its own rewards and can give their fanbase plenty of cause for encouragement.
If the Panthers were going to find it tough going in divisional matchups before this trade, then their plight has only worsened because of it. The defensive side of the ball needs significant upgrades and if they do not get their early Draft picks right this week then it could be a long season for the franchise.
How will Gronkowski’s arrival impact the Panthers?
There will be more scrutiny than ever on the NFC South this season thanks to the arrival of Tom Brady and Rob Gronkowski. The Carolina Panthers are seen as something of an afterthought and it would be a huge surprise if they came anywhere close to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and New Orleans Saints to mount a title challenge in 2020.
Gronkowski is a matchup nightmare for the Panthers with the current options they have available. Tahir Whitehead has arrived from the Las Vegas Raiders this offseason. But he offers little in coverage and more will be needed if they are going to restrict his impact of divisional matchups with the Bucs.
This move could also have huge implications on the way Carolina goes early with their draft selections. The need for a defensive lineman is great. However, getting a do-it-all linebacker who can cover tight ends is now equally as important and the Panthers will have to adjust plans accordingly.
It is going to be an exceptionally exciting season in the NFC South in 2020. All four teams have the potential to thrive offensively and things could eventually be decided by the divisional games.
Gronkowski’s arrival only heightens the need for more defensive help in Carolina. General manager Marty Hurney gave new head coach Matt Rhule everything he wanted on offense during free agency. He must now do the same on defense with incoming college recruits.
There is the chance this move won’t pan out. Brady is 43 and regressing considerably, so there is no telling how much juice he has left in the tank. Gronkowski has been out of the game for a long time and has real difficulty staying healthy, which is a trend that is difficult to reverse.
The Buccaneers do have the potential and the hype. But it will be up to the Panthers to focus on themselves, bring in the right college prospects, and perhaps even add a veteran cornerback who can play the nickel.