Carolina Panthers: 3 trade targets from the Green Bay Packers

If the Carolina Panthers wanted to be a bit bolder regarding a possible trade with the Green Bay Packers, then Preston Smith should be high on their shortlist. The edge rusher is coming off the best season of his career. And he was a stout force on the line of scrimmage for the organization on their way to another NFC North title.

Smith joined the Packers on a four-year, $52 million deal from the Washington Redskins and immediately made his presence felt. The player managed to secure 13 sacks during his first year with the franchise on his way to a respectable 66.0 grade from Pro Football Focus.

The Panthers have plenty of playmakers in their front seven going into the season. But there is an opening opposite Shaq Thompson at outside linebacker if Jermaine Carter fails to make the most out of his opportunity.

Adding Smith would give Carolina another formidable player with outstanding ability to get to the quarterback. And it could speed up the process of their rebuild an untold amount.

The price for Smith would be incredibly high. But taking risks is something that the Panthers have shown a willingness to do this offseason. There is also the financial aspect to consider, with the player owed $22.55 million in base salary over the final three years of his current deal.