The Carolina Panthers are running a legitimate competition between Trevin Wallace and Claudin Cherelus for the LB2 spot next to second-team All-Pro linebacker Devin Lloyd. But if general manager Dan Morgan isn't entirely satisfied, he may look for outside assistance before Week 1 against the Chicago Bears arrives.
And an intriguing situation between Jordan Magee and the Washington Commanders is worth keeping a close eye on.
The Commanders have a surplus at linebacker with just a couple of weeks remaining until final cuts. They have former Panthers enforcer Frankie Luvu. They signed Leo Chenal in free agency and spent the No. 7 overall selection in the 2026 NFL Draft on Sonny Styles, who has all the makings of a franchise cornerstone.
Carolina Panthers should keep tabs on Jordan Magee's situation with the Commanders
As such, Magee is stuck in proverbial purgatory.
He's got all the size and athleticism one looks for in a productive linebacker at the next level. Magee has flashed encouraging production when given opportunities, but slight injury concerns have held him back.
Perhaps a fresh start is the best possible solution for all parties. And that's where the Panthers come in.
Morgan, a former linebacker himself, knows how important a strong second level is. If Wallace and Cherelus aren't providing enough confidence, perhaps taking a swing with a possible trade for the Temple product wouldn't be the worst idea in the world.
Unlikely, but it does have merit.
Magee could be the odd man out in Washington. He's a useful rotational piece who can help on special teams, but the Commanders also have others who can fill the void. Carolina would be betting on upside, but it might not take much to tempt general manager Adam Peters.
Jordan Magee looks like a good scheme fit for the Carolina Panthers
Something to think about, at the very least.
The 2024 fifth-round selection looks like a good fit within Ejiro Evero's system. Magee has been working in a 3-4 scheme throughout the offseason under Daronte Jones. He'd also give the Panthers a downhill attacking element, which complements what Lloyd brings to the table.
Whether this is something the Panthers would seriously consider is another matter.
Morgan has been reluctant to make trades since assuming control of Carolina's front office. Aside from a couple of departures and the ill-advised acquisition of wide receiver Diontae Johnson, the Panthers have opted to build more traditionally. Nobody was complaining about that, but with an NFC South championship to defend, nothing should be off the table.
Magee is still just 25. His physical profile ticks all the boxes. If he can find some extra discipline with more experience, this is a risk well worth taking if the Commanders become receptive to offers.
It might not be an option should the Commanders keep Magee around for depth purposes. But if it is, Morgan would be wise to examine his prospects in greater detail.
And this would be an instant upgrade on Wallace or Cherelus; make no mistake about that.
Add us as a preferred source on Google