The majority of conversations involving the Carolina Panthers regarding the trade deadline suggest that the team is more likely to be dealing away talent, rather than acquiring players. At a surface level, that assumption seems reasonable.
The Carolina Panthers Could Seize Trade Opportunities
The running back position is the hot button for Carolina as a seller. In his 32-team trade deadline rundown for ESPN, Bill Barnwell explores that scenario, saying:
“One way to solve the Panthers’ sudden logjam at running back would be to trade Hubbard or Dowdle to a contender.”
Barnwell also identifies the Panthers’ biggest needs at the deadline as offensive line, linebacker, and cornerback. That’s where we come in.
OL Trade Target: Jackson Powers-Johnson
One of the most highly-touted prospects in the 2024 NFL Draft out of Oregon, iOL Jackson Powers-Johnson was drafted in the second round by the Las Vegas Raiders. That was under the guise of a different leadership team.
Despite winning the Rimington Trophy as the nation’s most outstanding collegiate center in 2023, Powers-Johnson has been playing right guard for the Raiders. To Jackson’s credit, he’s been team-first about the situation. But he may be unhappy with the role he’s tasked with. He was also benched in the Week 7 loss against the Kansas City Chiefs.
Powers-Johnson is only 22 years old and has two years remaining on a cap-friendly rookie contract. Bleacher Report’s Kristopher Knox proposes his projected trade value as a 2026 fourth-round pick and/or a veteran cornerback.
LB Trade Target: Logan Wilson
Veteran LB Logan Wilson (66.6 PFSN LBi) formally requested a trade from the Cincinnati Bengals earlier this month. The team sounds willing to oblige that request.
When the Panthers signed Christian Rozeboom in the offseason, Josey Jewell was still in the picture for that linebacker room. He was likely the starter, but at worst, the two would compete to sort that out. Adding a talented player like the 6’2”, 245-pound Wilson would instantly upgrade the depth and experience in that position group.
Wilson has two years remaining on his contract, although an out clause is available in 2026.
CB Trade Target: Alontae Taylor
Trades within the division are unlikely. Let’s start there. However, Alontae Taylor (67.1 PFSN CBi) is in his final year of his rookie contract and is one of the more valuable players on the New Orleans Saints’ roster. Panthers fans and quarterback Bryce Young are pretty familiar with his game.
Taylor’s coverage proficiency and versatility would offer defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero even more flexibility with his coverage shells and pressure packages. As he’s likely to command a substantial contract to retain his services, the asking price in a trade could be palatable.
