4 pros and cons to the Carolina Panthers trading for Lamar Jackson

Financial implications for the Carolina Panthers

One of the biggest talking points surrounding Lamar Jackson and a potential trade is the financial element. The quarterback wants to be among the league’s best-paid at the position, which is something he no doubt deserves after a sensational career to date.

Whether this is something the Carolina Panthers can afford is a completely different question. Letting Jackson play on the franchise tag wouldn’t be an option, but it could give them some flexibility to start his mega-money from 2024 onwards all things considered.

Jackson seems resolute in his demands for full guarantees. The Cleveland Browns shifted the landscape when they agreed to pay Deshaun Watson, which has obviously impacted the Louisville product’s own negotiations with the Baltimore Ravens ever since.

Signing Jackson to a bumper contract means the Panthers would be without high-end draft assets and much financial wiggle room moving forward. This jeopardizes their chances of acquiring top talent and keeping some of the team’s better players around.

Teams can maneuver the salary cap to their benefit, which could ease this burden if Jackson did come into the fold. But fans are wary about risking such riches for one player – no matter how gifted they might be.

A clear plan must be put in place before the Panthers make their move. But considering all the ramifications, they could very well look at alternatives in pursuit of progression.