4 pros and cons to the Carolina Panthers hiring Sean Payton

Carolina Panthers would give up high-end draft picks

For the Carolina Panthers to secure Sean Payton’s services, a package must be sent to the New Orleans Saints. And the compensation will be more than any other suitor considering the two organizations reside within the NFC South.

Getting permission to speak is one thing. Parting ways with substantial draft capital is another entirely.

Payton has no qualms about showing Saints general manager Mickey Loomis’ hand during an appearance on The Herd this week. The coach stated that it would take a mid-to-late first-round selection before anything becomes official, which is in keeping with head coaches traded under contract elsewhere throughout NFL history.

Carolina has the No. 9 overall pick in 2023. Giving that up would be a massive gamble – especially considering their need to draft a high-upside quarterback from the college ranks.

Again, this all comes down to David Tepper. If he’s 100 percent convinced Payton can lead the Panthers back to prominence, then parting ways with first-round picks this year or next will be worth the risk.

Giving a divisional rival valuable draft resources isn’t ideal. But as we’ve countless times throughout Tepper’s ownership, he’ll act on impulse and won’t think twice.