What bold trades could the Carolina Panthers potentially make that would put them among the contenders in 2023?
Speculation is running wild surrounding the Carolina Panthers and their plans this offseason. Free agency rumors have played second-fiddle to almost every quarterback being linked with the franchise, which is probably what the team wants at this stage to keep everyone guessing.
While solving their issue under center is the biggest priority, other areas need strengthening. There is also the small matter of extending top stars like Bradley Bozeman and D’Onta Foreman, who thrived once given extra responsibilities in 2022 and should be prioritized over all other pending free agents.
General manager Scott Fitterer and his in-on-every-deal mentality guarantee there will be no stone left unturned. If certain opportunities arise in the trade market that the front office figure feels can help the organization flourish, he won’t hesitate to pull the trigger.
With this in mind, here are four bold trades that could turn the Panthers into genuine contenders in 2023.
Bold Trade No. 1
Carolina Panthers could trade for DeAndre Hopkins
Adding another wide receiver is something the Carolina Panthers should consider. D.J. Moore remains prolific and Terrace Marshall Jr. could break out under Frank Reich, but acquiring a proven presence could make a huge difference for whoever is starting under center.
DeAndre Hopkins could be on the move this off-season. The Arizona Cardinals are reportedly looking for a second-round selection – and the Panthers have two at their disposal to bring the South Carolina native back home should they wish.
Carolina Panthers could trade for Danielle Hunter
There’s been far less speculation surrounding Danielle Hunter‘s future than at any stage over the last two offseasons. But things can happen quickly in the NFL and the Minnesota Vikings have some important financial decisions to make in the not-too-distant future.
Minnesota is currently $24.46 million over the cap. Removing Hunter from the equation doesn’t help them this year, but it provides financial flexibility in 2024 and beyond with a potential Super Bowl window closing with every passing year.
The Carolina Panthers need another capable pass-rusher to put opposite Brian Burns. Hunter played in a 3-4 last season under Ed Donatell, so his transition to Ejiro Evero’s scheme should go smoothly in this hypothetical scenario.
Acquiring Hunter via trade does seem like a long shot, but pairing him with Burns would instantly give Carolina arguably the NFL’s most dominant edge-rushing tandem. However, of all the bold moves on this list, appears the most unlikely.
Hunter proved last season that his injury problems are a thing of the past. Pass-rushers with versatility that consistently put up exceptional numbers don’t grow on trees, which is why the Vikings will do whatever it takes to keep the one-time LSU stud around.
Even if it means making sacrifices elsewhere.
Carolina Panthers could trade for Jalen Ramsey
It’s no secret that the Carolina Panthers have some questions to answer at the cornerback position. Donte Jackson looks like he could miss a large part of the 2023 campaign with a torn Achilles, so more is needed unless the inconsistent duo of Keith Taylor Jr. and C.J. Henderson take a substantial leap forward.
Fortunately for the Panthers, they have Jaycee Horn. But in the modern-day NFL where the passing game is king, this could jeopardize Ejiro Evero’s chances of building on his blossoming reputation en route to becoming a future NFL head coach.
There are plenty of talented prospects emerging from the college ranks. However, the Panthers have a more obvious need to address early that could cost them significant draft capital with a potential trade-up from No. 9 overall.
This leaves them looking at the free-agent pool, which isn’t exactly stacked this year. Another option is trading for a proven veteran such as Jalen Ramsey, whose time with the Los Angeles Rams could be nearing an end as they look to dump some hefty contracts from their books.
Ramsey is still an exceptional performer more than capable of shutting down one side of the field. Much would depend on the cost – likely a second-round selection or more – but pairing the former Florida State standout with Horn solves Carolina’s problems.
Carolina Panthers could trade for Lamar Jackson
No news might not be good news for Baltimore Ravens fans. Lamar Jackson‘s contract stalemate with the organization is a messy situation currently, which is something the Carolina Panthers and others around the league will be keeping a close eye on.
The Ravens will not let Jackson go for anything, or cheaply if they did end up taking calls on a potential trade. This is a former NFL MVP who is the best dual-threat weapon in the league when healthy, so there are only a few teams around the NFL that wouldn’t upgrade their quarterback position by securing his services.
This would be the most exciting signal-caller Carolina’s had since Cam Newton was at the peak of his powers. But the compensation – coupled with the reported $250 million fully guaranteed he’s supposedly seeking – makes it a franchise-busting move if it all goes wrong.
Should the Panthers go in this direction, which does appear unlikely at this juncture, then the Panthers would go from afterthoughts into the national spotlight. More importantly, it could make all the difference for Frank Reich as he looks to make the Panthers a leading contender sooner than anticipated.
Jackson is a unique talent and players of his caliber don’t become available for trade too often in their prime. Considering the Panthers were all-in on Deshaun Watson last offseason despite the obvious issues off the field, this is something they’ll no doubt discuss.