The Carolina Panthers are in a precarious position before the 2026 trade deadline. They don't want to give up on the season, but at 3-5, general manager Dan Morgan may look to consolidate assets in readiness for another important offseason.
That's not what anyone had in mind before the campaign.
Both Morgan and head coach Dave Canales made bold claims about taking the next step into legitimate contention after winning the NFC South in 2025. Those predictions haven't come to fruition yet, though they still somehow lead the division with just three triumphs to their name.
Nobody expects much action from the Panthers before the transaction cut-off. But here are five moves they might consider.
Trade deadline moves the Carolina Panthers could still consider before the deadline
Trading for Jackson Powers-Johnson
The Panthers have some real problems at center. Luke Fortner isn't playing well enough, and fifth-round rookie Sam Hecht isn't ready. Carolina will probably roll with what it has, but if those in power decide they can still salvage the season, trading for someone like Jackson Powers-Johnson could be the play.
Powers-Johnson is on the fringes with the Las Vegas Raiders, but he has solid production at center. If the price is right, this is well worth considering.
Trading Xavier Legette
The Panthers are opening up Xavier Legette's 21-day return window, indicating he is nearing a return to health. This timing is key, as it might lead to Morgan fielding calls for the wide receiver in the coming hours.
Tetairoa McMillan and Jalen Coker are the primary receiving tandem. John Metchie III also looks capable of making an impression with more involvement. That could make Legette expendable, but the Panthers haven't given up on him yet.
Trading for Will McDonald IV
The Panthers lack juice on the edge, which is disappointing. This was seen as an area of strength before the campaign, but Nic Scourton's injury and Jaelan Phillips' health issues have kept this unit from meeting expectations.
Will McDonald IV handed in a trade request due to his lack of usage with the New York Jets. He reportedly has fans in the building, but the AFC East club has reportedly turned down offers for the pass rusher despite his unhappiness.
Trading Bobby Brown III
Carolina has resisted the temptation to trade Pro Bowl defensive lineman Derrick Brown. That has sparked fierce debate among fans, but the defensive tackle arms race is well underway across the league.
If the Panthers got a decent offer for Bobby Brown III, they would be foolish not to consider it. He was an Ejiro Evero guy, and he's no longer around. Tershawn Wharton is also back, so he's a rotational option who should be tradable.
Trading Robert Hunt
The Panthers are about to embark on some salary-cap complications, not for the first time in recent years. Their big money signings were always going to come due at some stage, and the decision-makers have some huge calls to make.
Robert Hunt has been immensely disappointing this season. He's being paid among the league's best right guards, and he is not performing like it. Trading him would be drastic, but if a good offer comes in for someone who might be cut next spring, we must have a serious discussion.
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