3 reasons the Carolina Panthers held firm at the 2021 trade deadline
By Dean Jones
Why did the Carolina Panthers hold firm and not strengthen the roster or acquire additional draft capital at the 2021 trade deadline?
The trade deadline came and went with relatively little movement from the Carolina Panthers. They did make one transaction during the day, bringing in former San Diego State quarterback Josh Love to the practice squad in the wake of Sam Darnold’s concussion suffered at the Atlanta Falcons.
Fans were hoping either the Panthers bolstered problem areas to assist them over the second half of the campaign, or the team attempting to shift some pieces in pursuit of getting some extra draft picks to use next spring.
As is the case with most trade deadlines every year, there was a lot of smoke but little fire. The big bombshell arrived the day before with legendary pass-rusher Von Miller traded to the Los Angeles Rams.
This was met by some dismay from sections of the team’s fanbase. But finding value with little time on the clock is always difficult and it’s not like the Panthers haven’t been active in the trade market prior to avoiding any last-ditch temptations for comings or goings.
Unless those in power explore someone in free agency, they’ll move forward with what they have. It’s not been all bad, but it appears the Panthers are some way off legitimately contending for a Super Bowl in the second year of Matt Rhule’s tenure.
Without further ado, here are three reasons why the Panthers decided to hold firm at the 2021 trade deadline.