Which teams should call the Carolina Panthers regarding a potential trade for out-of-favor defender Jeremy Chinn before the 2023 deadline?
The Carolina Panthers are going nowhere fast in 2023. At the time of writing, Frank Reich's men are 0-5 and staring another loss squarely in the face unless they can pull off a mini-miracle at the Miami Dolphins this afternoon (Sunday).
Talk of winning the NFC South and making the postseason is long gone. Carolina's front office wrote checks their playing personnel couldn't cash, which could lead to a few established figures leaving before the trade deadline.
Albert Breer of Sports Illustrated named a number of players he believes are available at the right price. One of those is supposedly Jeremy Chinn, who is a former second-round selection with a drastically diminished role within Ejiro Evero's 3-4 base defensive scheme.
If the Panthers do become receptive to trade offers, which teams could potentially target Chinn?
Carolina Panthers could trade Jeremy Chinn to the Bills
Looking at how Jeremy Chinn is being deployed and the current state of affairs within the Carolina Panthers, there's no doubt he'd welcome the chance for a fresh start elsewhere. Somewhere that puts his skills to better use and gives him a better chance of contending.
When one examines the options, Chinn going to the Buffalo Bills makes sense. They recently lost linebacker Matt Milano for the season and acquiring the athletic specimen would give them an added level of explosiveness at the defensive second level.
The Buffalo-Carolina connection has been evident ever since former Panthers defensive coordinator Sean McDermott became head coach. Much will depend on the compensation involved, but this is an intriguing destination.
Carolina Panthers could trade Jeremy Chinn to the Eagles
Good teams stay good primarily through always looking at ways to improve the roster. They are also more than capable of taking advantage of the struggling organizations around the league through trades that benefit their chances of hoisting the Vince Lombardi Trophy.
The Philadelphia Eagles are one of the more aggressive from a trade standpoint. Their acquisition of stud wide receiver A.J. Brown changed everything for quarterback Jalen Hurts and their ability to add running back D'Andre Swift for pennies on the dollar also looks like being a shrewd bit of business.
If the Carolina Panthers indicate the fire sale is on, Cam Marino reported that the Eagles would be interested in seeing what it might take to bring Chinn up north. But perhaps a Day 3 pick is all general manager Scott Fitterer could hope for regarding a player on the fringes and out of contract in 2024.
Philadelphia would be getting a key rotational piece at worst. They are getting linebacker Nakobe Dean back from injury, but adding another productive performer would be beneficial to solidify options for the defending NFC conference champions.
General manager Howie Roseman would be wise to seek the counsel of Haason Reddick before taking the plunge. The edge rusher spent one season with Chinn on the Panthers, so his input would likely be invaluable.
Carolina Panthers could trade Jeremy Chinn to the 49ers
It's not like the San Francisco 49ers need much help from a defensive standpoint. This is one of the league's most destructive units that recently acquired edge rusher Randy Gregory via trade, so adding another weapon might not be in their immediate train of thought.
However, as previously stated, good teams never stand still. And the Niners also have someone in a key position of power who's already extremely familiar with what Jeremy Chinn might bring to the table.
Steve Wilks came back to the Carolina Panthers in 2022 as defensive backs coach. Once Matt Rhule was finally ousted, he galvanized the franchise as interim head coach, restoring the culture and standards that made them so successful during the mid-2010s.
Chinn was one of the many players who were banging the table hard for Wilks to get the job permanently. Team owner David Tepper thought better of it in favor of Frank Reich, but a reunion could potentially be on the cards if the coach thinks he could assist San Francisco's bid for another Super Bowl.
Looking at the Niners' defense as it stands, Chinn would likely be a rotational player. There are deficiencies in coverage that cannot be ignored, but this is the sort of low-risk, high-reward move that could intrigue general manager John Lynch if it gets Wilks' seal of approval.
Carolina Panthers could trade Jeremy Chinn to the Commanders
The Washington Commanders are under new ownership and looking to make their return to the NFL's top table sooner rather than later. That makes Ron Rivera's coaching seat among the league's hottest, which could lead to an aggressive move or two before the 2023 trade deadline.
Washington's defense has been a surprising underperformer through five weeks. This is a unit loaded with first-round talent and proven veterans, so it's been surprising to see them struggling so much given their lofty reputation before competitive action began.
There isn't enough quality at the defensive second level. Jamin Davis is doing a lot by himself thanks to Cody Barton's inconsistency, so this is an area where Jeremy Chinn might be able to help in this scenario.
The Commanders also lost the safety duo of Darrick Forrest and Jeremy Reaves to injured/reserve this week. Although they do have Percy Butler and Quan Martin to fill the void, sending a late-round pick to the Carolina Panthers for Chinn gives them another option that has the position versatility Rivera values highly.
It's also worth remembering that Marty Hurney is now in Washington. He was the general manager who thought enough of Chinn to trade up and land him in the second round of the 2020 NFL Draft, so there could be some legs to this one if the Panthers do end up holding a fire sale in the coming weeks.