Carolina Panthers: 3 trade targets from the Atlanta Falcons

Carolina Panthers trade target: Matt Gono – OG

There are plenty of questions to answer for the Carolina Panthers regarding their guard positions after they traded away Pro Bowler Trai Turner. They brought in Michael Schofield and John Miller during free agency. But only time will tell as to whether they can be anything more than short-term fixes.

Getting new quarterback Teddy Bridgewater the protection he needs is going to be pivotal to the Panthers’ chances of mounting a playoff push in the coming years. If they choose to explore a trade option at the spot, then they could do a lot worse than taking a look at Matt Gono.

The Atlanta Falcons picked up the player after he went undrafted. And he has been used sparingly during his time with the franchise. That being said, Gono, has shown plenty of promise during his time on the field and received a 57.3 grade from Pro Football Focus from his 40 snaps in 2019.

This would probably come at minimal cost to Carolina, with Gono entering the final year of his deal. He will make a $750,000 base salary and will be a restricted free agent next spring.

Rather than lose Gono for nothing, the Falcons would probably listen to any calls that came in for the player. It is unlikely that he is going to earn a starting spot next season. So the lineman might be better off in a new environment and there is definitely a chance of a more prominent role in Carolina.