Which wide receivers could the Carolina Panthers trade for before the 2023 deadline in the hope of improving their fortunes on offense?
Things haven't gone according to plan on offense for the Carolina Panthers through the opening four games. The return of quarterback Bryce Young didn't provide much upturn, which was deeply concerning after yet more play-calling issues and delay of game complications during their loss against the Minnesota Vikings.
According to Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network, the Panthers are not planning to rebuild. They aren't considering dealing with their top stars and even though draft capital is at a premium following their move to No. 1 overall for Young, those in power have been searching for another bombshell trade - with a starting wide receiver at the forefront of proposals.
The Panthers felt they had enough at the position this offseason despite sacrificing D.J. Moore. After three games, this report states a lack of faith in the likes of Terrace Marshall Jr. and Jonathan Mingo, whom the team had high hopes for before competitive action began.
If the Panthers are going to make a move, which wide receivers could they acquire via trade before the 2023 deadline?
Carolina Panthers could trade for Hunter Renfrow
One of the primary reasons why the Carolina Panthers might be going in this direction is their current group cannot create separation consistently. Adam Thielen - at 33 years old - is the only one managing to accomplish this feat, which is a damning indictment of those youngsters in the room with big reputations without the production to match.
Although he wouldn't be classed as a genuine No. 1 wideout, Hunter Renfrow is one of the slickest slot rote-runners around and can provide Bryce Young with a dependable option to call upon in key situations. The Las Vegas Raiders are also in turmoil, so it won't be much longer before they begin looking to the future.
While Renfrow would be a nice addition, the Panthers should be aiming higher if this is the avenue they choose to go down rather than waiting until the 2024 NFL Draft.
Carolina Panthers could trade for Jerry Jeudy
Now we get the the aiming higher phase.
The Denver Broncos don't seem to be going anywhere fast under Sean Payton. One or two more losses would see things completely unravel, which isn't what many analysts envisaged when he left the comfort of his FOX Sports role to take the head coaching position.
This could lead to a move or two as the Broncos look to solidify their long-term prospects. Jerry Jeudy is one of the names rumored to be on the trade block, although nothing concrete has emerged from Denver's perspective as they keep cards close to their chest.
Jeudy's had his injury problems since entering the league as a first-round pick, but his talent is undeniable. His route-running is polished, the ball skills are exceptional, and he'd instantly be the No. 1 wideout on the Carolina Panthers if they managed to secure his services.
The compensation would likely be steep. But Jeudy could be seen as expendable with Denver's decision on a contract extension looming.
While parting ways with substantial draft capital to acquire Jeudy is risky business, the rewards could be substantial. Linking the former Alabama star up with fellow Crimson Tide alum Bryce Young has the scope to become a lethal partnership this season and way into the future, so there are far worse directions the Panthers could go in this scenario.
Carolina Panthers could trade for Tyler Boyd
The Cincinnati Bengals have some important upcoming decisions to make regarding their roster. Quarterback Joe Burrow got his market-resetting deal as expected, but this could cause a ripple effect elsewhere among those also looking to get paid.
Ja'Marr Chase is looking for a mega-bucks contract extension sooner rather than later. This seems like the only conceivable outcome after such an exceptional start to his pro career, which might leave Tee Higgins or Tyler Boyd on the outside looking in depending on his own demands.
Both Higgins and Boyd are out of contract in 2024 and should command substantial interest in the free-agent market. If the Carolina Panthers genuinely believe they can help, then one couldn't dismiss the possibility of general manager Scott Fitterer taking matters into his own hands and making Cincinnati an offer they cannot refuse.
This centers on whether the Bengals think they can legitimately contend for the AFC after a less-than-stellar start. Much will also depend on the player and whether those in power up north believe either is worthy of No. 1 or No. 2 receiver money.
With Higgins fracturing his rib in Week 4, it's unlikely that the Bengals would part ways with Boyd. But everyone has a price when push comes to shove.
Carolina Panthers could trade for Davante Adams
As previously stated, things are not looking good for the Las Vegas Raiders right now. This is a team completely falling by the wayside, with the concerning situation involving released defensive end Chandler Jones the latest in a series of unfortunate incidents to befall the franchise since their move to the desert.
Head coach Josh McDaniels is living on borrowed time. Jimmy Garropolo's performance levels under center leave a lot to be desired up to now, which isn't sitting well with veteran wide receiver Davante Adams based on his recent comments.
Adams' statement about wanting to be around a winning culture and within a more stable environment was seen as a come-and-get-me plea. Dealing the All-Pro would be akin to throwing in the towel from Las Vegas, but this isn't what the former Fresno State star had in mind when he opted to force his way out of the Green Bay Packers.
The Carolina Panthers could have had Adams long before this hypothetical scenario. He freely admits to thinking this was the team that was going to draft him based on pre-draft meetings, but the front office opted for Kelvin Benjamin at No. 28 overall in the 2014 NFL Draft, instead.
Oh, what might have been. But if the Raiders are receptive to offers, then risking the farm for Adams is an option well worth considering.
Carolina Panthers could trade for Chase Claypool
This wouldn't be as eye-popping as one of the aforementioned trio after Hunter Renfrow, but it could be the most realistic where the Carolina Panthers are concerned. Chase Claypool's trade to the Chicago Bears has been an unmitigated disaster, with his public outburst about how he's being utilized resulting in the wideout being benched in Week 4.
According to Jordan Schultz of The Score, the Bears are looking to trade Claypool before the deadline and are looking for an early Day 3 selection in next year's draft to cut this experiment short. This might interest the Panthers, although there's just no telling if the former Notre Dame star could make an impact or not based on his recent sample size.
One thing that could intrigue the Panthers in this scenario is the upside involved and compensation. If Claypool doesn't work out, Carolina still has its second-round selection to potentially acquire a pass-catching option from what looks to be another exceptionally deep class emerging from the college ranks.
Either way, the Panthers have to do something. Their gamble to include D.J. Moore in the trade that landed Bryce Young has come with significant consequences, so throwing more assets on someone like Claypool isn't necessarily going to remedy matters.
Who will the Panthers acquire? Time will tell on that front.