The Carolina Panthers' offensive line remains a major concern after Bryce Young was sacked six times during their loss to the Green Bay Packers.
But with the trade deadline approaching, Carolina may have an opportunity to address the problem.
According to ESPN insider Jeremy Fowler, the Las Vegas Raiders could be willing to trade Jackson Powers-Johnson, a 2024 second-round pick with experience at both guard and center.
Carolina Panthers could be tempted by Jackson Powers-Johnson's reported asking price
And given what Las Vegas reportedly wants in return, Panthers general manager Dan Morgan should absolutely make that phone call.
"Several teams are combing the guard market, and Powers-Johnson wouldn't cost as much as the marquee names," Fowler wrote. "A Day 3 pick swap might get something done, allowing the Raiders to improve positioning on the back of the draft order."
That's a pretty reasonable asking price for a player who was considered one of the better interior offensive line prospects in his draft class just two years ago.
The Panthers have invested heavily in their offensive line over the past few years, but center remains a problem.
Luke Fortner has already surrendered 18 pressures through Carolina's first seven games, six more than any other center in the NFL. Rookie fifth-round pick Sam Hecht hasn't established himself as a reliable alternative.
That's a pretty concerning number for an offense built around Young, especially considering how much pressure the quarterback has already faced.
Carolina Panthers cannot leave offensive line as is if they want to protect Bryce Young
Sure, Carolina has dealt with plenty of injuries. Starting left guard Damien Lewis missed Thursday's game with a knee injury, right tackle Taylor Moton is out for the season, and replacement guard Corey Bullock exited with a quadriceps injury.
But those injuries have also exposed how thin the Panthers are up front. And Powers-Johnson could help address that.
While he's primarily played right guard over the past two seasons, he logged 421 snaps at center during his rookie campaign. He also spent much of his college career at the position, making a move back to center an interesting possibility.
Carolina already has Robert Hunt and Lewis under contract at guard, so Powers-Johnson wouldn't necessarily have a clear path to starting at either spot when everyone is healthy.
Center is a different story.
The Panthers could bring him in to compete with Fortner immediately, while also adding another versatile interior lineman who can provide depth if injuries continue piling up.
There's no guarantee Powers-Johnson would outperform Fortner. He's struggled himself, and his recent injury history adds another concern. But the Panthers would at least have another legitimate option instead of relying on the same struggling combination.
The Panthers don't need to make a blockbuster trade to address their offensive line. They just need to find some help, preferably without sacrificing valuable draft capital.
If Las Vegas is genuinely willing to move Powers-Johnson for a Day 3 pick swap, Carolina should be one of the first teams calling.
At that price, the risk seems worth taking.
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