With the NFL trade deadline quickly approaching, the Carolina Panthers have received a lot of focus as a team who could move players. This is due to their poor start to the season, as they’re likely to shift towards a rebuild for the remainder of the year. This doesn’t mean trading away all valuable assets before the Halloween deadline, but there are certainly some strong candidates. With a common group of names circulating, let’s take a look at who the Panthers should and shouldn’t trade.
Terrace Marshall Jr: TRADE
The most obvious option for a player who should be traded is Terrace Marshall Jr. He’s already been granted permission to seek a trade out of Carolina, making his departure very likely. The 2021 second-round receiver was expected to have a breakout season, but has yet to carve out a role in the Panthers offense. With the effectiveness of Adam Thielen and the potential of Jonathan Mingo, it’s unlikely we will see that happen in the near future.
Instead, it makes sense to give Marshall a fresh start elsewhere, while ideally pulling in more draft capital. This allows the Panthers to focus on their new-look receiving core, while also opening the door for more future talent at the position.
Brian Burns: DON’T TRADE
It seems as though we already know the outcome in this case, as the Panthers reportedly view Brian Burns as an untouchable player. This was proven last year when the Rams offered two first-round picks for Burns, and were turned away. While now may seem like a good time to move on, it simply doesn’t make sense.
Certain moves are necessary in a rebuild, but trading away the team’s superstar is ideally something you’d avoid. If they didn’t trade him last year when his value was at it’s peak, why do it now? His value is lower than it’s been at any point in recent memory, especially given the performance of the team. High draft picks are tempting, but players like Burns don’t come around very often. It’s better to retain the face of the defense, even if things don’t look promising at the moment.
Jeremy Chinn: TRADE
Jeremy Chinn was a surprise rookie star for the Panthers out of Southern Illinois. He quickly put the NFL on notice, finishing as the runner-up for AP Defensive Rookie of the Year in 2020, behind Chase Young. The safety maintained a solid role in the defense, up until this season. We’ve seen his snap count diminish considerably, raising questions about his fit in the new coaching staff’s scheme.
Despite the attachment some fans may have, now may be a good time to move on from Chinn. He’s a valuable asset for contending teams, and is only 25 years old. If he isn’t given a prominent role in the defense, but can garner a strong return on the trade market, it seems like a sensible move. A return to consistent action would also be nice, but the last thing the Panthers need is for him to waste away on the bench.
Frankie Luvu: DON’T TRADE
From one defensive asset to another, Frankie Luvu may seem like an obvious candidate for a trade. He’s 27 years old, and competing at the highest level of his entire career. These are the exact reasons he shouldn’t be dealt to another team. As opposed to Chinn, who sees surprisingly little time on the field, Luvu is a key piece of the defense. He currently leads the team in tackles with 39, and only trails Burns in sacks with 2.5.
Similar to a Burns trade, sending Luvu away would be removing a core piece of the defense’s identity. While he’s on the team, he can continue to be a vocal leader and help develop talent around him. It’d be a stronger option in a fire sale, but a large portion of the rebuild here is already complete. Key pieces are in place, and dynamic players like Luvu are necessary for eventual success. The front office made this mistake in losing Haason Reddick, and it hopefully won’t be replicated here.
Donte Jackson: TRADE
Ever since hearing his name called in the second round of the 2018 NFL Draft, Donte Jackson has been at the forefront of the Carolina secondary. With Jaycee Horn’s continual injury concerns, now may look like a bad time to move on from Jackson.
While this is a valid concern, it’s likely that teams looking to contend are willing to pay a high price for an experienced cornerback. They shouldn’t send him away for nothing, but getting a semi-substantial return in a year that already seems like a lost cause isn’t a bad plan of attack. Jackson, nearly 28 years old, would be given the opportunity to contend, while the Panthers could use the draft capital to acquire a sharp young corner. It may seem like a head-scratcher in the moment, but the move fits the timeline of both Jackson and the Panthers.
More from The Game Haus:
Stay tuned for additional NFL coverage, and check out more sports and gaming content on The Game Haus!
Featured image courtesy of the Carolina Panthers.
“From Our Haus to Yours“
- SEO Powered Content & PR Distribution. Get Amplified Today.
- PlatoData.Network Vertical Generative Ai. Empower Yourself. Access Here.
- PlatoAiStream. Web3 Intelligence. Knowledge Amplified. Access Here.
- PlatoESG. Carbon, CleanTech, Energy, Environment, Solar, Waste Management. Access Here.
- PlatoHealth. Biotech and Clinical Trials Intelligence. Access Here.
- Source: https://thegamehaus.com/sports/carolina-panthers-trade-deadline-good-moves-and-bad-ideas/2023/10/27/
