Carolina Panthers: 3 trade targets from the New England Patriots
By Dean Jones
Carolina Panthers trade target No. 1: Isaiah Wynn (OT)
The Carolina Panthers will need to bolster their edge protection in the coming months if they decide not to bring back Russell Okung in 2021. The veteran left tackle was acquired in a trade that sent Trai Turner to the Los Angeles Chargers. And his $13 million in base salary will need to come down significantly to make his stay more permanent.
There is also the chance that Okung decides that his health is more important than football as the season goes on. The Pro Bowler refuted claims he was considering retirement due to COVID-19 concerns. And if things deteriorate further it appears highly likely he will hang up his cleats after making almost $100 million during his career.
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Either way one looks at it, the Panthers need a longer-term solution at the position. Isaiah Wynn is a tackle with enormous potential. And although the price would be steep, it is an option worth considering.
Wynn was the No. 23 overall pick in 2018 but did not see the field at all during his rookie year. The lineman managed to finally get some minutes last season, giving up two sacks and three penalties from 502 snaps.
This earned Wynn a creditable 69.6 grade from Pro Football Focus. And a substantial leap forward in his third year is not out of the realms of possibility.
The Panthers would be wise to monitor Wynn’s progress considerably. And if the New England Patriots enter a rebuilding phase after this season, then the player might become available for draft capital.