4 Panthers players who could be on the trade block in 2021
By Dean Jones
Which Carolina Panthers players could be on the trade block during the 2021 offseason?
This offseason is one of the most important in the 26-year history of the Carolina Panthers. Head coach Matt Rhule stated as much almost as soon as their regular season came to a conclusion with defeat at home to the New Orleans Saints. So even though action on the field is now over, there is sure to be plenty of drama behind the scenes as the organization looks to make further strides in 2021.
A new general manager could be appointed by the end of the week, which will bring some fresh ideas to the Carolina Panthers as owner David Tepper wants to move forward with a more analytical approach to recruitment. Rhule and his staff will get the chance to coach at the 2021 Senior Bowl which will be invaluable to their NFL Draft preparations, but they might not have the expertise of offensive coordinator Joe Brady, who is emerging as a strong head coaching candidate after impressing during interviews.
This upheaval could also transition to their roster, with 25 players out of contract and many others nervously looking over their shoulders after failing to reach the sort of levels expected throughout the campaign.
With the being said, here are some Panthers players who could find themselves on the trade block in exchange for some valuable draft capital.
Player No. 1
Greg Little – Carolina Panthers OT
Greg Little had a big chance to make a significant impression in 2020. Although the new coaching staff weren’t here to sign off on moving up to trade the offensive lineman in the second round back in 2019, the prolonged absence of veteran Pro Bowler Russell Okung through injury left the window open for the former Mississippi star to ensure he became part of their long-term plans.
Sadly, this wasn’t met with production on the field.
Little look flustered once again on the edge and the Panthers even opted to go with free-agent signing Trenton Scott more often than not, resulting in the player seeing just 140 snaps during the campaign.
Recently fired general manager Marty Hurney hit some home runs with first-rounders in his second stint with the organization. But selecting Little was one of his worst decisions and the time might have come for Carolina to try and get a 2021 selection back in return.