The Carolina Panthers come into the campaign looking to successfully defend their NFC South championship. There are several positives across the roster, but there are also some problem areas that could hold them back.
One of those centers on the defensive front.
Tershawn Wharton is out until further notice with a neck injury that required surgery. LaBryan Ray retired for personal reasons, and even though some young players have done well this offseason, more might be needed in crunch time.
Carolina Panthers should seriously consider potential Gervon Dexter Sr. trade
And a recent report could potentially provide a solution to this issue.
According to NFL insider Jordan Schultz, the Chicago Bears have been taking calls about trading defensive lineman Gervon Dexter Sr. He believes there is also a deal to be made if the right offer comes in.
"The Bears have had trade discussions involving DT Gervon Dexter, and there are multiple scenarios where a deal could get done sending him to a new team. Dexter, still just 24 years old, started all 17 games last season and has 13.5 career sacks and 42 QB hits. He’s in the final year of his rookie contract."
This is interesting, to say the least.
Dexter was a second-round selection in 2023 after a standout college career with the Florida Gators. After taking his time to grow as a rookie, he's come alive over the last two seasons, becoming a player capable of generating significant havoc from the interior.
At 24 years old, his best football is ahead of him. Dexter may be in the final year of his rookie deal, but this would be a long-term investment for anyone willing to pay him with another strong campaign in 2026.
The Panthers should be among those considering it.
Carolina Panthers would be investing in the future with Gervon Dexter Sr.
Derrick Brown is a cornerstone piece. Second-round rookie Lee Hunter and Cam Jackson have promise, but both are inexperienced and unproven. Wharton looks like a cut candidate next spring, and the same goes for Bobby Brown III without a stellar season.
Dexter has flashed more than anyone on that list aside from Derrick Brown. And there is also scope for further growth in the right system.
His main problem, which could also hurt his trade value, is stopping the run. Dexter is a massive presence at 6-foot-6 and 312 pounds, but he hasn't utilized this leverage effectively enough on rushing plays. Until this changes, he might be used only for pass-rushing purposes.
This could also be the reason why the Bears are looking to cash in now rather than risk losing him for nothing. But in terms of scheme fit, Dexter's size and length look tailor-made for one of the 3-4 end spots in defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero's system.
Much will depend on the compensation involved. With one year remaining on his deal and the Bears seemingly willing to discuss terms around his departure, the Panthers might be able to strike a good deal for Dexter if there is interest. Looking at the current landscape, there are far worse avenues general manager Dan Morgan could go down.
Morgan has not made many incoming trades since taking the job. It's not really his style, but plans can change. And with the Panthers looking to take the next step into legitimate contention, adding someone with Dexter's skill set would only help their cause.
If the Panthers aren't considering it, they should be. But based on Schultz's report, they would not be alone.
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