What hypothetical trade packages could the Carolina Panthers offer for quarterback Lamar Jackson if the Baltimore Ravens cannot work out a new deal?
It seems the Carolina Panthers are always a quarterback away from having a chance to compete within their division. Over the past three seasons, a good roster was limited by poor coaching from Matt Rhule and a lack of an answer at the most important position on the field.
New head coach Frank Reich seems likely to start fresh and attempt to find his own quarterback. Something he was unable to do with the Indianapolis Colts once Andrew Luck announced his bombshell retirement.
One possibility and the best quarterback who could become available is Lamar Jackson.
If we are being completely realistic, it is very improbable that Jackson leaves the Baltimore Ravens. With his injury, John Harbaugh was given an up-close look at life without his star signal-caller, and it wasn’t good.
It is hard to see Baltimore letting Jackson walk away. Even with the obvious concerns for a quarterback who has taken a lot of hits.
However, if there is even a hint that the former first-round selection is hitting the trade market, Carolina should be willing to spend what it takes to acquire a player that would change their franchise and make them the team to beat in the NFC South.
Looking at potential trade packages for Jackson, it’s clear that the compensation would be substantial. With this in mind, here are three hypothetical scenarios Carolina could offer.
Carolina Panthers trade package No. 1
This trade package is ignoring the Carolina Panthers cap situation. It would take some significant cuts and restructures to fit Lamar Jackson under the financial figure allocated by the NFL in 2024.
Jackson is going to be given a historic deal with the Baltimore Ravens or somewhere else. And there are reports his current employers are some way off from meeting his demands.
Carolina would have to give Jackson a guaranteed deal that improves upon Deshaun Watson’s this past off-season. They might also have to backload it to avoid jeopardizing other positional groups.
To land Jackson it seems likely a team is going to have to be willing to part ways with three first rounders and at least 2-3 additional pieces. Whether that is picks or impact players.
Baltimore has a great defense and solid run game that is set up to win now. So the last thing they need is complications at the quarterback spot.
If they move off Jackson, the Ravens will make the deal only if it is an overpay that sets them up to make high impact moves over the next two years. Carolina parts ways with a top ten pick in this year’s draft as well as their second round pick in 2024, together with a third and fourth the following season.
It is a high price to pay for the Panthers. But if they make this move, it instantly pus them among the leading contenders.
The move might be painful. However, Carolina has watched what life is like without a top quarterback and that would quickly change if Jackson came into the fold.
Carolina Panthers trade package No. 2
The problem with this move for the Carolina Panthers is both the dead cap hit from Brian Burns and the problems it creates on the defensive front. The Baltimore Ravens hold all the cards right now, so they’ll be holding our for maximum value in no uncertain terms.
Looking at Carolina’s roster, it’s hard to find a player who is a trade fit in a trade for both sides in a potential Lamar Jackson deal. If the Panthers are going to land him, the most likely package is the first deal that centers entirely on draft picks and allows those in power to make other moves.
In this scenario, the Ravens bolster an already impressive pass rush. Carolina also throws in a young promising wide receiver to help bolster a passing attack that is often Mark Andrews or bust.
Losing Burns, Terrace Marshall Jr., and two first rounders hurts Carolina. But the Panthers keep the majority of their core intact with impact picks over the next two years.
That’s not to mention the duo of Jackson and D.J. Moore spearheading the offense back to prominence.
The best case scenario for the Panthers is landing Jackson with draft picks. Looking at the Russell Wilson deal to the Denver Broncos in 2022, it is completely possible if the Ravens start taking calls, they’ll demand young talent on cheap contracts in addition to an abundance of draft selections for one of the league’s most dynamic playmakers under center.
Carolina Panthers trade package No. 3
This deal is obviously based around draft picks to help the Baltimore Ravens replae a player of Lamar Jackson’s caliber. In this deal, the Carolina Panthers opt to pay a steeper price, dealing five first and second round picks over the next three seasons, which inclue two first rounders.
Jackson is going to demand a huge return. But it isn’t impossible a team acquires the quarterback in an unlikely trade for this sort of compensation.
Any team that trades for Jackson is in turn going to have to give the star quarterback a record contract. Keeping the price very steep but not unreasonable.
Giving Baltimore five early picks and a top ten selection this year is more than fair for a player who while a star is coming off of a serious injury and will be given guaranteed money. From Carolina’s perspective the trade is an instant win for a roster already good enough to compete in a very open NFC conference.
The problem would be two years from now when the Panthers lack the needed draft picks to deepen their roster. Whether it is Los Angeles Rams or the Tampa Bay Buccanneers within their division, there are plenty of examples of what happens to teams who go all in.
Acquiring Jackson sets their Super Bowl clock ticking as soon as they make the blockbuster move. Unless a concise plan is in place, it might be a painful rebuild – one that will be well worth it if the story ends as it did for Los Angeles and Tampa Bay.