6 Carolina Panthers players who must be off the trade table in 2022
By Dean Jones
Which Carolina Panthers players should the team not consider trading during what’s sure to be a pivotal offseason for the franchise in 2022?
There is plenty of talk surrounding just how the Carolina Panthers are going to approach a crucial offseason period in 2022. They have little wiggle room financially, plenty of established veterans looking for new deals, and just one draft pick in the top-100, which doesn’t paint the rosiest of pictures for a team that is coming off their third-straight campaign with five victories to show for their efforts.
It will be interesting to see what transpires in the coming weeks. The Panthers made a shrewd move by extending outside linebacker Frankie Luvu – their first major decision so far – but much more will be needed ahead of a crucial third season at the helm for head coach Matt Rhule.
Finding a long-term solution at the quarterback position is something the Panthers will no doubt contemplate if team owner David Tepper has any say in the matter. But a potential trade for an elite signal-caller is not cheap and will cost significant resources and talent already on the roster.
On this topic, we picked out six Panthers players who must not be part of any trade discussions this offseason.
Player No. 1
Derrick Brown – Carolina Panthers DT
Perhaps Derrick Brown hasn’t quite lived up to being the No. 7 overall selection in 2020 just yet. But the defensive tackle remains a key component behind any future success where the Carolina Panthers are concerned.
Brown got some undeserved criticism for his efforts last season and was even benched by Matt Rhule at one stage – albeit briefly to send a message. This provoked a strong response from the Auburn product, who finished the season on a high and there could be even more to come in Year 3 of his professional career.
Teams would no doubt see Brown as an enticing trade option if the Panthers came calling. But this is a temptation they should resist regarding a player who is growing in stature.