4 ambitious trades for the Carolina Panthers to land a franchise LT

Taylor Decker

• 2021 team – Detroit Lions

There appears little doubt that Taylor Decker will be on the Detroit Lions throughout the 2021 season. The veteran is set to occupy the left tackle spot despite the team striking gold when Penei Sewell fell into their laps at No. 7 overall, which denied the Carolina Panthers an opportunity to take a prospect with an All-Pro ceiling one position later.

However, if Sewell hit the ground running as expected and the Lions shift him over to the blindside, then it could be an opportunity for the Panthers to acquire the former first-round pick out of Ohio State in the trade market.

Players like Decker don’t become available too often. He is an elite pass-protector who can more than hold his own against the run, which is exactly what Carolina is looking for.

Let’s be honest, it’s probably going to be priority No. 1 during the 2022 offseason if Sam Darnold shows signs of life.

Year 3 of Matt Rhule’s reign is where the playoffs are expected.

If it happens this season, that’s great and puts the Panthers way ahead of schedule.

If not, then it’s going to take a series of bold moves to shift the landscape.

Decker fits the bill and then some. He has a substantial amount of money remaining on his deal and it would cost Detroit $14.8 million on their dead-cap with such a move.

This would drive up the price further. But the Panthers shouldn’t let that put them off.