4 dream trade targets for the Panthers before the 2021 deadline
By Dean Jones
Taylor Decker – OT
- 2021 team – Detroit Lions
The Carolina Panthers offensive line continues to be a weak link. Although there were much more encouraging signs without underperforming veteran Cam Erving at the New York Giants.
However, the Panthers are only going to get so far with this patchwork group and if they want to get better in this area of the field, then acquiring a proven performer is a realistic possibility before the deadline.
The problem is NFL teams aren’t normally willing to give up offensive linemen. This counts for current starters and those immediately behind them on the depth chart.
Someone like Taylor Decker would be a dream.
The Detroit Lions have been using their first-round pick, Penei Sewell, as their blindside protector due to Decker’s recent injury, so it’ll be interesting to see how things develop with this positional battle now the Ohio State product is ready to return.
Sewell did not look comfortable switching to the right and he is clearly the long-term answer. So the Lions might be tempted to get some capital back in return for a player they extended in 2020.
Decker’s contract could be a potential stumbling block. He is owed $14.75 million, $13.7 million, and $12.95 million in base salary over the next three seasons, which the Panthers might decide is too steep when exploring this potential option.
It would only cost the Lions $3.9 million in dead-cap money if they traded Decker before the deadline according to Over the Cap, which is a tempting proposition for a team in the midst of rebuilding.