4 things Carolina Panthers fans should be thankful for in 2022
By Dean Jones
Carolina Panthers didn’t trade D.J. Moore or Brian Burns
When the Carolina Panthers fired Matt Rhule, it didn’t take long for the vultures to begin swooping. Once the organization opted to trade Christian McCaffrey and Robbie Anderson, the uncertainty among fans increased exponentially.
Plenty of players were the subject of significant interest from around the league. Speculation was rampant in the lead-up to the 2022 trade deadline, but the Panthers decided to hold firm and keep their young core intact despite some exciting offers from elsewhere.
This was especially evident with Brian Burns and D.J. Moore. The two established figures are among the best at what they do, so it wasn’t surprising to see other teams key in on their talent with a view to improving their own fortunes.
Carolina turned down a substantial offer from the Los Angeles Rams for Burns. This consisted of their 2023 second-rounder and two firsts in 2024 and 2025 to further sweeten any potential deal.
As for Moore, the Green Bay Packers were willing to cough up their 2023 first-rounder to get the Maryland product according to reports. General manager Scott Fitterer spurned these advances, eager to put the Panthers in the best possible position for any new head coach next season and beyond.
Although tempting, fans can be thankful Burns and Moore weren’t dealt. There are no guarantees when it comes to picking from the college ranks, so proven performers such as this are the only way Carolina is going to get itself out of a massive hole.