The Carolina Panthers are entering a rebuilding period. Even in our best-case scenario projections for the 2020 season, they won’t win more than eight games or compete for a wild card spot. That means it makes sense for them to consider trades that will help them build for the future by stockpiling more draft picks.
Here are four players who might get moved at some point this year.
K Graham Gano
Why: Gano was the most accurate field goal kicker in the league in 2017. However, that was an eternity ago in football terms, especially after he sat out all of last year with a fractured femur. Plus, the Panthers have a younger, cheaper option already on the roster in Joey Slye, who also has better range. Dealing Gano to another team rather than cutting him would prevent adding on to the already ridiculous dead cap figure for this year.
Best potential trade partner: The Giants’ kicker Aldrick Rojas just got into some hot water after being arrested for a hit-and-run and he had a previous DUI on his record, so he’s probably on his way out. General manager Dave Gettleman is also familiar with Gano from his time in Carolina, so New York makes sense on several levels. If they can get a sixth or seventh for Gano, it’s worth considering.
WR Curtis Samuel
Why: The Panthers are loaded at wide receiver and Samuel is entering the final year of his rookie contract. D.J. Moore is on the cusp of becoming a star, Robby Anderson has experience with Teddy Bridgewater and Christian McCaffrey is going to get more targets than any of them. Add it all up and there’s just not a lot of room for anyone else to make a difference. If they’re not going to give Samuel a lucrative contract extension like they should, trading him to a contender is probably their next-best option.
Best potential trade partner: The 49ers are in need of help at wide receiver after some bad luck with injuries. Deebo Samuel broke his foot this week and Richie James broke his wrist. Kyle Shanahan could use a weapon like Samuel to compete with Kansas City or Baltimore if his team makes it back to the Super Bowl. A late third or an early fourth-round pick for Samuel would be fair compensation.
DE/OLB Christian Miller
Why: Even after losing Mario Addison and Bruce Irvin to free agency, Carolina has a lot of options on the edge. Brian Burns and rookie Yetur Gross-Matos are projected to start. Defensive coordinator Phil Snow seems high on Stephen Weatherly and Efe Obada is overdue for some legitimate playing time. Guys like Miller could be left out of the rotation and he only saw 91 defensive snaps as a rookie. There’s plenty of potential here, but it can probably be put to use best somewhere else.
Best potential trade partner: The Dolphins are in desperate need of more edge rushers after finishing dead last in the NFL last season with just 23 sacks. Signing Shaq Lawson should help a little, but it won’t be nearly enough to give them the pass-rushing firepower they need. With Tom Brady out of the division, there’s an opening to make aggressive moves in the AFC East. If Miami is willing to offer a fifth/sixth for Miller, it’s worth a look.
DE/OLB Marquis Haynes
Why: Haynes is pretty much in the same boat as Christian Miller. Since he was picked by Carolina in the fourth round of the 2018 draft, he’s only been on the field for a total of 256 defensive snaps. Unless there’s a rash of injuries on the edge, it’s unlikely he’ll get many meaningful reps for the Panthers. He’s also a better fit in a 3-4 defensive scheme, even though he’s bulked up to 240 pounds this offseason.
Best potential trade partner: The Texans run a base 3-4 defense and they have been hurting at this position since trading Jadeveon Clowney to the Seahawks last September. They also managed just 31 sacks last season, ranking No. 26 in the league. Giving up a sixth or seventh for Haynes could boost their rotation.
