Why the WFT is a perfect trade back partner for the Carolina Panthers

The Carolina Panthers have ties to Washington, and their need for a new quarterback makes them the perfect trade down partner in the 2021 NFL Draft.

The Washington Football Team rumors regarding taking quarterback Trey Lance in the 2021 NFL Draft are generating some significant momentum. NFL expert Michael Lombardi had his say in regards to how the organization feels about the North Dakota State star, claiming:

"“I think they love Lance. I don’t think, I know Washington loves Lance.”"

Lombardi is a trustworthy source, being a former NFL executive.

That being said, Lance will most likely be on the board when the Carolina Panthers are on the clock at No. 8 overall. Washington could opt to send a haul of picks to the Atlanta Falcons at No. 4. But taking the risk and hoping the signal-caller falls could save them a couple of selections in a trade package further down the order.

There’s little to no chance Lance falls to Washington’s pick at No. 19 overall, so if they want their guy, they’ll have to move up. If one of the Panthers‘ top prospects isn’t available at eight, moving back should definitely be considered. This would give Carolina the opportunity to replenish some picks lost in the Sam Darnold trade with the New York Jets.

Carolina Panthers would be dealing with some familiar faces.

The Panthers and Washington are no strangers to each other. Obviously, former head coach Ron Rivera is their current head coach and did a tremendous job in difficult circumstances in 2020. On top of that, ex-general manager Marty Hurney was hired to be the team’s Executive Vice President of Football/Player personnel after he was fired by David Tepper.

Rivera has also made a trade with the Panthers during his tenure in Washington, sending a fifth-round pick in return for quarterback Kyle Allen.

The connection is there. But how would Washington go about moving up 11 spots in the draft?

Here is a potential trade package that the Panthers would have to listen to if Washington calls.

What the Carolina Panthers get: 

• 2021 first-round – No. 19
• 2022 first-round pick
• 2022 fourth-round pick

What Washington gets:

• 2021 first-round – No. 8

Already this offseason, we’ve seen the San Francisco 49ers send three first-round picks and a third-rounder to move up nine spots in the draft. This deal will require less capital, but two firsts and a fourth is a realistic haul for the Panthers should they make a deal with Washington.

Sacrificing 11 spots in the draft is a big decision. But Carolina would be compensated nicely.

The Panthers would be able to replace the fourth-round pick they sent to the Jets in the Darnold trade too.

There’s plenty of talent in the draft for Carolina to get a quality starter at a position of need at No. 19. They would also be setting themselves up by doubling up on first-round picks in the 2022 NFL Draft. As of now, this is all speculation, but a scenario similar to this one could unfold in the near future.

If Washington comes calling, the Panthers should attempt to get as much as they can for pick number eight.