5 Carolina Panthers off the trade table at all costs in 2022 and beyond

Carolina Panthers must not trade D.J. Moore

Whether or not the Carolina Panthers should part ways with D.J. Moore or Christian McCaffrey in the coming weeks will be one of the more hotly debated stories left. The answer could be to move on from the running back at a position that doesn’t age well with a contract that is only going to get more difficult to trade.

Either player that the Carolina Panthers deal will be a massive dead cap hit. While trading both players and receiving what should be huge packages for star playmakers is tempting, the right move is to trade McCaffrey and keep Moore.

Moore has patiently put up with a horrible Carolina quarterback situation while quietly putting up elite numbers every year before this season. The former first-round pick out of Maryland is still only 25 years old and has at least four more years of his prime left.

For the receiver to have accomplished what he has without ever having the benefit of a top passing quarterback is extraordinary. Imagine the production Moore would be capable of if Carolina finds even a top-15 passer at the position.

The correct call for Carolina is standing by one of their most reliable players while continuing to search for a quarterback capable of reminding the league just how elite of a talent Moore is. Even if the organization might also need a change in offensive coordinator to make this dream a reality.

As for McCaffrey, the offense would be an abomination without him. But if the Panthers receive a high-quality offer for the All-Pro, they’ll likely pull the trigger.