4 reasons Panthers could have traded Brian Burns and D.J. Moore
By Dean Jones
The Carolina Panthers could have accepted trade offers for defensive end Brian Burns and wide receiver D.J. Moore before the 2022 deadline.
Shortly before the Carolina Panthers took the field for their complete capitulation at the Cincinnati Bengals, new information came to light about their refusal to trade defensive end Brian Burns and wide receiver D.J. Moore before the 2022 deadline. Both players were the subject of keen interest, but those in power decided to hold firm and keep their young core intact ahead of a new head coach coming into the fold next spring.
Jonathan Jones of CBS Sports revealed that it wasn’t just two first-round selections Carolina dismissed from the Los Angeles Rams for Burns. According to the respected insider, the deal also included their 2022 second-round pick for good measure.
In Moore’s case, the strongest bid came from the Green Bay Packers. Jay Glazer of FOX Sports reported that Carolina resisted the urge to deal their best wide receiver for a first-round pick, which has caused division among the fanbase given the team’s current plight.
With this in mind, here are four reasons why the Panthers could have traded Moore and Burns for some substantial draft capital.
Reason No. 1
Carolina Panthers needed to accept their current position
One of the primary criticisms of the Carolina Panthers throughout franchise history is their inability to see the bigger picture. This is a team going nowhere fast despite some holding out hope of mounting a divisional challenge, but they are 2-7 for a reason and as always, the record doesn’t lie.
Turning down these astronomical offers for Brian Burns and D.J. Moore could be a mistake given their current situation. Although both have skills that can be put to good use moving forward.
There are many holes that need to be filled and not much financial wiggle room to make splashy moves. Even though this allows the Panthers to keep their foundational pieces intact, it’s another indicator that team owner David Tepper might be overvaluing certain individuals and just how far Carolina is from becoming relevant.