Carolina Panthers: 3 trade targets from the Dallas Cowboys

If the Carolina Panthers want to be a bit bolder with any moves to acquire a potential star. Then it would probably be on the defensive side of the ball.

The Dallas Cowboys did give Jaylon Smith a long-term deal last season. But his play did not match these expectations despite achieving 108 solo tackles in 2019. This was down in no small part to his struggles in coverage, which played a huge part in the team’s defensive failings.

This might work in favor of the Panthers, who need a long-term replacement for legendary linebacker Luke Kuechly after he announced his shock retirement this offseason. While this might seem like an unrealistic proposition at the present time. The Cowboys will need to extend Leighton Vander Esch at some point. And they might eventually have to make a choice between the two.

Smith penned a six-year, $68.42 million contract extension that included a $5 million signing bonus and $35.4 million guaranteed. This was thoroughly deserved given the way he started his career. But the Cowboys put a potential out in his contract in 2022 if he doesn’t live up to his billing.

It would take a monumental offer for Dallas to part ways with Smith ahead of what is a critical season for the franchise. This is something they might not be willing to do due to its potential to compromise their long-term prospects. But stranger things have happened in the NFL.