It's no secret that the Carolina Panthers have a surplus in their wide receiver room. There are only so many places to go around, and not everyone will make the 53-man roster.
This is something general manager Dan Morgan could potentially use to his advantage.
Things are going to be eventful in the coming days with final cuts due on Sunday. Good players will be released, and that also holds true for the Panthers after Morgan's careful roster construction since taking the job.
Carolina Panthers should consider flipping a wide receiver for linebacker help
Before then, Morgan should be exploring all options.
And if he can flip a wide receiver who isn't going to make it for a productive linebacker to go alongside second-team All-Pro Devin Lloyd, that represents a win-win for everybody.
The Panthers are currently holding a competition for the LB2 spot between 2024 third-round pick Trevin Wallace and Claudin Cherelus. While the Kentucky product might be the tentative frontrunner, neither inspires any real confidence.
And if Morgan believes it will help the franchise, he won't hesitate to bring in outside assistance.
Teams are always looking for wideout help. Finding a trade partner might be difficult, but it's not impossible by any stretch.
Just who that'll be is the big question.
John Metchie III might be the Panthers' most tradable wide receiver lower down the depth chart
Tetairoa McMillan and Jalen Coker are locks. Xavier Legette is dealing with a foot issue right now, but he should make it after rookie third-rounder Chris Brazzell II was ruled out for the season. Jimmy Horn Jr.'s exceptional summer should see him through, and the same goes for Ja'seem Reed. That leaves one or maybe two spots for the rest.
David Moore and Brycen Tremayne have special-teams value. John Metchie III has performed well this summer and boasts a prior connection with quarterback Bryce Young from their time together at Alabama. But when it's all said and done, he could potentially be the odd man out.
Metchie might also be a tradable asset. Identifying a team with a wideout deficiency and linebacker surplus will be tricky, but a player-for-player transaction could be something for Morgan to consider.
Carolina's front-office leader has not delved much into the trade market since taking charge. Morgan's built his roster the more traditional way, and it's reaped some pretty positive rewards. But with the Panthers looking to defend their NFC South championship, being a little bolder cannot be completely dismissed.
Perhaps Morgan can find an upgrade on the waiver wire when final cuts have been made. Perhaps the Panthers are satisfied with either Wallace or Cherelus to man the position effectively. But if there is even the slightest doubt, nothing should be left to chance.
There is way too much at stake for that this season.
Having too many capable wideouts is a nice problem for the Panthers. And if Morgan can strike a trade deal before Week 1 against the Chicago Bears, it will bring an added benefit.
Something to think about, at the very least.
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