What are some pros and cons behind the Carolina Panthers launching a daring trade to acquire quarterback Lamar Jackson in 2023?
Even though the Baltimore Ravens will do everything in their power to keep Lamar Jackson, there are growing murmurings that they might be willing to accept a bombshell offer for the quarterback. Something that should put the Carolina Panthers and others around the league on red alert.
Jackson’s ongoing contract dispute remains the biggest stumbling block. The former NFL MVP is reportedly looking for around $230 million guaranteed, which the Ravens appear reluctant to shell out based on how negotiations have gone so far.
The Panthers have a desperate need to improve their quarterback options. Only Matt Corral represents a legitimate starting option currently, so it’ll be interesting to see which way Carolina goes during their first season with Frank Reich as head coach.
With that being said, here are four pros and cons behind the Panthers risking it all for Jackson in the coming months.
Pro No. 1
Carolina Panthers would get an instant difference-maker
Players with Lamar Jackson’s attributes don’t become available too often. The only recent example is Deshaun Watson, who the Carolina Panthers coveted heavily despite the obvious cloud hanging over him.
The risk would be high, obviously. But if Jackson can remain healthy, this provides the Panthers with an instant difference-maker capable of dragging them out of irrelevancy and into the national media spotlight.
And this is the sort of big splash David Tepper has wanted to make since buying the team from Jerry Richardson.
Carolina Panthers would be giving up the farm
Trading for Lamar Jackson has untold potential. However, there are some other significant factors in this complex equation that shouldn’t be ignored.
The Baltimore Ravens are going to use the franchise tag on Jackson. This gives them a little extra time to either work out a new deal or get substantial compensation in return for the former first-round pick.
Jackson’s dual-threat capabilities are nothing short of electrifying. Staying healthy is sometimes a problem, but any team lucky enough to land the player if Baltimore does become receptive to trade offers is going to be challenging for a Super Bowl.
It’s been a long time since the Panthers have been held in such regard. However, the compensation Baltimore will ask for Jackson’s services to be taken elsewhere will be jaw-dropping.
Multiple first-round selections are just the opening discussions. Some Day 2 picks and perhaps even talented players on rookie contracts will also be included before any trade gets rubber-stamped.
Although it’s immensely tempting for Carolina considering their quarterback woes in recent years, general manager Scott Fitterer’s preference to draft and develop could mean their assets are used to trade up and land someone like C.J. Stroud or Bryce Young, instead.
Carolina Panthers become an instant contender
Everything is seemingly in place for the Carolina Panthers to make significant strides next season. Frank Reich is putting together an exceptional coaching staff and the roster is stacked with young talent capable of major the necessary adjustments ahead of the 2023 campaign.
The biggest thing missing is a productive quarterback. Someone that can take over games by the scruff of the neck and will the Panthers to victory on any given occasion.
Relying on a rookie to accomplish this is a gamble. One that could go either way and especially if the Panthers throw someone into the mix before they are truly ready.
Trading for Lamar Jackson is a different story. This would instantly make the Panthers a contender and also turn them into an attractive free-agent destination for any veterans looking to get their hands on a ring.
Sure, the cost is steep and the contract will be eye-watering. But it’s a small price to pay if Jackson ends up becoming the missing piece to Carolina’s playoff puzzle.
The Panthers haven’t been relevant since Cam Newton was at the peak of his powers. Trading for Jackson changes all that in an instant and that’s why it wouldn’t be a complete shock to see Carolina throw its hat into the ring.
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.