Which Carolina Panthers news stories are hitting the headlines as trade talk continues to take center stage during the bye week?
There will be no Carolina Panthers football this weekend - a relief to most who've had to sit through their opening six games. However, there is plenty of speculation to keep fans entertained, which centers directly on the 2023 trade deadline and some established figures potentially departing the organization before they take the field in Week 8 against the Houston Texans.
We wait with bated breath for further developments. Until then, the stories generating column inches include cooling off on any incomings, interest in cornerback Donte Jackson, Adam Thielen's renaissance, and former Panthers running back Christian McCaffrey's notable anniversary.
Let's delve into each topic in more detail.
Carolina Panthers 'cooling-off' on WR trade
Despite the Carolina Panthers being 0-6 and the NFL's only winless team, some sections of the team's fanbase still want those in power to sacrifice more draft capital for another incoming. Specifically, finding rookie quarterback Bryce Young a weapon capable of creating separation consistently.
According to Josina Anderson of CBS Sports, the Panthers did explore the possibility. However, things have cooled off to the point where the insider suggested it (probably) won't be happening.
"Couple of notable name WRs (1 of them very notable) came up in internal discussions in CAR. Seems like that’s cooled off, for now, based on cost & comfort. I’m pretty sure one of those WRs would not have been agreeable. I also think one signing may be on the horizon next week."Josina Anderson via X/Twitter
Signing a free agent might be more prudent in Carolina's current state. But as is always the case with general manager Scott Fitterer - especially considering how desperate things appear after just six games - nothing should be dismissed entirely.
Carolina Panthers WR Adam Thielen's renaissance
While things haven't been perfect for the Carolina Panthers in 2023 so far, there are some who can look back on their accomplishments with a sense of pride. Adam Thielen fits into this particular bracket after a superb opening to the campaign.
The veteran wide receiver was seen more as a slot outlet and possession pass-catcher after joining in free agency. Instead, Thielen's been forced to become the team's No. 1 option and quarterback Bryce Young's go-to-guy almost constantly as others in the wideout room failed to meet expectations.
Thielen is putting up Pro Bowl-caliber numbers and is enjoying a renaissance out of Justin Jefferson's shadow. It's also another example of the former undrafted free agent proving his doubters wrong.
When discussing Thielen's influence, offensive coordinator and new play-caller Thomas Brown lauded the Minnesota State product's mentality as the primary reason behind his success based on comments via Carolina's website.
"I would say keep doubting him. All he's done is prove them wrong since Day 1. I love his mentality. He embodies a warrior spirit. Not that I doubted him before, but he has a lot more dog in him than I probably saw from the outside looking in. Just the way he goes about his business every single day. He commands respect. He talks a little trash on the football field, which is also my personality; I like that, too. But he is as consistent as it comes when it comes to knowing what to do, knowing how to do it, and being the same guy every day."Thomas Brown via Panthers.com
As stated previously, it doesn't look like the Panthers will be trading for another weapon unless something dramatic occurs. Therefore, expect Thielen to remain a focal point until further notice.
Carolina Panthers gauging interest in Donte Jackson
There seems to be momentum building around potential outgoings before the trade deadline. In an ideal world, this wouldn't be the case, but the Carolina Panthers are going nowhere fast with some big contract decisions upcoming once the 2023 campaign concludes.
This makes accumulating extra resources the smart thing to do, even if some fans won't agree. Carolina promised the world this summer and has delivered very little up to now, which is the latest in a series of failings for the franchise as their streak without any legitimate success continues.
Terrace Marshall Jr. has already been granted permission to seek a trade. Jeremy Fowler of ESPN stated there's also been an inquiry regarding Donte Jackson, but the insider suggested that those in power could be reluctant to part ways with the veteran cornerback.
"The Panthers also have received an inquiry on cornerback Donte Jackson, who's on a reasonable contract ($1.08 million base salary this year, with a $4 million base in 2024 along with $5.7 million in roster and per-game bonuses). But quality corners are hard to give up, so he's considered less available than the other two."Jeremy Fowler, ESPN
This must have to do with Carolina's injury decimation within the secondary rather than Jackson's on-field production, which has been subpar at best this season. Fans are getting pretty tired of the former second-round selection getting burned for big gains or touchdowns, especially with all the big talk attached before stepping onto the gridiron.
Former Carolina Panthers RB Christian McCaffrey's anniversary
All the talk has been on trades before the 2023 deadline, and rightfully so. However, yesterday was also the one-year anniversary of the Carolina Panthers trading star running back Christian McCaffrey to the San Francisco 49ers.
With the Panthers getting rid of Matt Rhule and Chosen Anderson, those in power were looking to restock. McCaffrey was the big name and although the compensation didn't amount to a first-round selection, Carolina got a decent haul considering the All-Pro's injury issues.
What came after was less pleasing. While the Panthers continue their downward spiral under a new coaching regime, McCaffrey has thrived in the California sunshine and aside from an oblique complication suffered last time out, has been relatively clear on the health front.
When examining the trade's impact one year on, Niners head coach Kyle Shanahan couldn't have been more complimentary via Adam Schefter of ESPN. Unfortunately, this is yet another case of a player excelling once they leave Charlotte.
"I mean, just how good he has been from what you guys have seen, how dependable he has been, how reliable he has been, how he learns everything, not just the running backs and stuff. So, it's real easy to put a lot on his plate, move him around each week. I think just the example he sets for everybody and the guy is, I mean, he reminds me of just a basic mentality, like a walk-on guy, who's just trying to get people's attention for working so hard. He is one of the most talented guys in the league and was in college coming out and every single play it's like the biggest thing in the world, whether he is getting the ball or not. It's a really great example of how to be as a football player."Kyle Shanahan via X/Twitter
McCaffrey probably welcomed the change of scenery given how bleak things looked at the time. The trouble for Carolina is things look arguably worse than they did then right now.