The Carolina Panthers head into the heart of the 2019 offseason with a new-look edge rotation and a re-established depth chart at left tackle. They may not be done tinkering just yet, though. There are still spots to fill on the roster and not a lot of cap space to get it done.
Knowing that, here are four players who could be on the trading block this year, for one reason or another.
WR Torrey Smith
Carolina’s wide receiver room has undergone a big change over the last year. With Curtis Samuel and D.J. Moore taking on larger roles in the offense, there will be less room for older receivers like Smith to work. If the Panthers trade Smith to another team, they’ll save $5 million in cap room and give more opportunities to the up-and-comers on the roster.
WR Jarius Wright
Wright might be on the trade block for all the same reasons that Smith could be. The Panthers used their last pick in the draft on Georgia receiver Terry Godwin, who thrives from the slot. That’s where Wright has been playing. If Greg Olsen is healthy, he’ll also be needed less as a security blanket option. Trading Wright would save the team a total of $4.8 million the next two years.
DT Vernon Butler
Former general manager Dave Gettleman is currently getting creamed for picking Daniel Jones at No. 6. He should be getting more flak for taking Butler at No. 31 a few years ago. At best, he’s been an average defensive tackle and he’s also had some off-the-field issues. If another team is willing to take a chance on his potential, it might be worth it.
DT Dontari Poe
Poe was supposed to be the Ndamukong Suh to Kawann Short’s Aaron Donald last season. It didn’t work out that way, though, and he was one of the Panthers’ most disappointing pickups. If Poe doesn’t turn his game around, Carolina should consider dealing him. Getting rid of Poe would save the Panthers $6 million this year and another $10 million in 2020.
