The Carolina Panthers entered the NFL trade deadline with the potential to be sleepers in terms of activity. They remained quiet as the deadline passed.
The Panthers showed discipline, anticipating their key starters returning from injury on both sides of the ball in the coming weeks while maintaining important draft capital. In all, no trades were made, and some of the rumored pieces that could've been moved remain in place.
As the Panthers head into the second half of the regular season, it is time for the following players to maximize their trade deadline reprieve.
Carolina Panthers players who must maximize their opportunities after the trade deadline
Xavier Legette, WR
Xavier Legette was rumored to have asked for a trade multiple times last season as his struggles increased. After being on injured reserve since after Week 2 with a knee injury, head coach Dave Canales finally opened the wide receiver's 21-day return window earlier this week.
With Legette's potential return imminent, he must take advantage of every opportunity that is given to him. His long-term career in Carolina is all but over by next year, but he still has a chance to provide value for the offense.
We saw a flash of him being a vertical weapon for quarterback Bryce Young. He could be that missing piece of speed the Panthers have been searching for.
Derrick Brown, DL
After a week or two of rumors swirling around star defensive tackle Derrick Brown being moved if the right deal came through, reports that the Panthers waved teams off proved true. Now, a core piece and the team captain remains in place.
Brown was solid last week against the Denver Broncos. The Pro Bowler was not great, but he was in the backfield more. This was thanks to interim defensive coordinator Todd Wash's one-gap penetration system, which allows for more crash techniques and simpler language up front.
As Brown continues to adjust to a new system, it's time for him to start producing at a high level.
Ja'Tavion Sanders, TE
For the first time all season, J'Tavion Sanders was active against the Broncos, mainly used as an interior blocker on punt coverage. He is essentially the backup to the role Darren Waller plays as the F-move tight end, more or less a big slot.
Sanders may not have more opportunities this season, but at some point, he may be needed as a relief option. That will be his chance to flash the skill set that many Panthers fans believed in two years ago.
Bobby Brown III, DL
With a few teams on the market needing interior run defense, Bobby Brown III seemed to be a potential low-cost option that could give the Panthers a late-round draft pick in return.
To no surprise, Brown is sticking around.
Brown provides solid depth along the Panthers' defensive front. His ability as a one- and two-gap nose playing the A-gaps gives the defense a solid run defender.
The veteran defensive lineman may not be around next season as the Panthers evaluate Lee Hunter and retool the roster after a potential Young extension. Until that happens, Brown must make the most of his opportunities against the run.
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