After making a blockbuster pre-draft trade with the Chicago Bears, the Carolina Panthers will likely start a new era with a young QB. Now armed with the No. 1 overall pick in April’s draft, Frank Reich and Co. can take whomever they want to start the franchise.
But given the haul Carolina surrendered, there was an underlying question on some folks’ minds Friday afternoon. Why would the Panthers trade D.J. Moore and a bevy of valuable draft picks for an unproven prospect rather than do the same for Lamar Jackson, a two-time Pro Bowler, and former MVP?
Jackson’s price at the moment — a fully-guaranteed contract and at least two first-round picks — is admittedly a lot. And it probably isn’t the most attractive selling point for a team that wants to start over. But it’s not like Jackson is the 39-year-old Aaron Rodgers.
He’s only 26! He has a lot of years left ahead of him! And the Panthers gave up a lot anyway for someone who hasn’t thrown a professional pass!
Carolina could’ve theoretically turned around and given the same deal to the Baltimore Ravens for Jackson. Instead, they’ll likely have a young QB to develop. We’ll see how their plan shakes out. For now, the NFL world wondered about the consequences.
Just realized that the Panthers could have just signed NFL MVP Lamar Jackson and could have saved two second round picks and a borderline Pro Bowl receiver and decided they didn’t feel like it!
— Shehan Jeyarajah (@ShehanJeyarajah) March 10, 2023
Panthers would have sent three firsts for Deshaun Watson.
Panthers are now sending two firsts, two seconds and DJ Moore for a rookie QB.
Also….Panthers had no interest in Lamar Jackson. https://t.co/MmQmUrIwsA— Andrew Brandt (@AndrewBrandt) March 10, 2023
I'm hearing the Panthers are sending 2 ones and a 2 for the 2023 1. LOL They could have Lamar Jackson for less draft capital. Insane.
— fivepointsvids (@FivePointsVids) March 10, 2023
The Panthers could have at least considered talking to Lamar Jackson.
— Dylan (@PowellAnalytics) March 10, 2023
So instead of signing a 26 yr old former mvp who is an elite talent that would cost them less Draft capital, the Panthers do this?
Man, the nfl really has decided collectively to screw Lamar Jackson. https://t.co/cavaivmUzu— Mike Avila (@mikeavila) March 10, 2023
Panthers would be better off making 3y guaranteed offer for Lamar Jackson for 2 No. 1s. They’d be closer to SB than with CJ Stroud.
— Tony Grossi (@TonyGrossi) March 10, 2023
You're telling me the Panthers would rather give up 2 2nds and DJ Moore to get Stroud/Young as opposed to just getting Lamar Jackson?
That's wild
— Austin (@revseahawks) March 10, 2023
Lamar Jackson finding out what the Panthers gave up for a franchise QB: pic.twitter.com/vCyy0ZNQnC
— Bet Any Sports (@betanysportsEU) March 10, 2023
Panthers gave up more for the #1 pick than they would’ve if they traded for Lamar Jackson. https://t.co/WZFUvTRd03
— mdugans (@mdugansXL) March 10, 2023
