4 reasons not to panic after Panthers hold firm at 2022 trade deadline
By Dean Jones
Carolina Panthers got what they needed
While there was a sense of surprise that the Carolina Panthers didn’t sell off any further assets before the 2022 trade deadline, one could argue that they already got what’s required to widen their options next spring.
Trading Christian McCaffrey to the San Francisco 49ers for a king’s ransom was the right thing to do for the player and the franchise. It gave Carolina salary-cap flexibility and multiple draft selections to enhance their chances of future success and provided the All-Pro with an opportunity on a contender.
McCaffrey is an elite playmaker. But the Panthers are likely to be looking at a franchise quarterback through the draft in 2023 and must do everything in their power to put the necessary pieces around someone like Bryce Young or C.J. Stroud to smooth a daunting transition.
As it stands right now, Carolina has eight selections and six picks in the top 125. Something that could prove highly beneficial to a general manager like Scott Fitterer with his strong negotiating skills and ability to unearth draft gems consistently.
The more picks, the better. And one also has to ask whether or not Carolina received any offers other than the reported interest in Brian Burns from the Los Angeles Rams that saw the Panthers turn down an offer consisting of two first-round picks and running back Cam Akers, according to Albert Breer of Sports Illustrated.
But in all honesty, Carolina got what they needed through the McCaffrey deal. How they utilize their newfound draft wealth will be even more important.