5 trade targets for the Panthers after Week 3 of the 2021 season
By Dean Jones
Jaylon Smith – LB
It appears as if Micah Parsons’ arrival to the Dallas Cowboys has impacted Jaylon Smith more than most. The veteran linebacker has been used sparingly over the first two games of the season, which is something that probably isn’t going down well with the player.
There are growing thoughts that Smith might be a primary candidate for a trade before the deadline. This should put the Carolina Panthers on red alert providing the price is right.
Carolina’s starting trio of Jermaine Carter, Shaq Thompson, and Haason Reddick have started the season relatively well. But there is a case to be made for all three not being around in 2022 and a contingency plan needs to be formed to prevent a loss of momentum within a talented defense.
Smith regressed considerably in 2020, but he wasn’t the only Cowboys defender to say that.
One potential obstacle in this deal would be the whopping contract signed by the Notre Dame product that still has $50.35 on the salary cap over the next four seasons after this one.
Judging by Smith’s production last season and his demotion to a rotational role over the last fortnight, it might be a price too steep for the Panthers. Money that could be better spent extending Carter or Reddick, for example.
There will be a suitor for Smith, who was electrifying in 2019. However, much will also depend on what the Cowboys want in return.