Reich says Panthers owner Tepper is committed to winning and won’t sit back without contributing, something the coach said in Monday’s news conference he appreciates.
SCOTT FOWLER The Panthers take a look at 31 other teams in the NFL ahead of their Week 6 series.
The tumultuous start to the Frank Reich era led to more questions than answers, as Carolina had to dazzle with an 0-5 record to start the campaign. Understandably, after an offseason of optimism and excitement, Panthers fans are disappointed and confused.
That’s why The Observer is bringing back the weekly Panthers letterbox to provide context, analysis and answers to fan questions.
Head coach Frank Reich, general manager and general manager Scott Fitterer speak to the media on Thursday, April 27, 2023, about quarterback Bryce Young, a first-round pick in the 2023 NFL Draft.
Melissa Melvin-Rodriguez mrodriguez@charlotteobserver.com Andre asks: Do you see anything good about this team and do you see us being active trade-wise or at the trade deadline? I think there were some differences this season.
Wide receiver Adam Thielen played quite well and exceeded expectations. Yetur Gross-Matos, unpleasant on paper in Ejiro Evero’s 3-4, has really come into his own as a rotation player, and it’s not a stretch to say he’s been the most positive surprise on the roster through five games. this is probably a lower bar than most would like to admit.
Quarterback Chuba Hubbard carried the ball very well despite his inconsistent touches. Defensive tackle Derrick Brown played as promised, while linebacker Frankie Luvu is a fun wild card with lightning speed.
The special trio of Eddy Piñeiro, JJ Jansen and Johnny Hekker have been there all season. The specialists were the most consistent part of the team through five games. As for the trade deadline, I feel like this team is more interested in a seller’s market than a buyer’s.
The team has limited draft resources to trade for proven players, and an 0-5 team — just by logic — shouldn’t be looking for short-term help in exchange for long-term assets.
Despite reports of extension interest on the trade market, there aren’t many options worth giving up a big cap hit, even if the Panthers were willing to spend it (or had too many resources). While Denver Broncos wide receivers Jerry Jeudy and Courtland Sutton appear to be good options to improve the offense, they likely won’t be huge differences for a team that needs a LOT of help elsewhere.
Hypothetically, the Panthers could acquire them for a 2024 second- or third-round pick. Dealing with that pick would limit the Panthers to just one pick in the first three rounds, and on top of that, Carolina would have to accept an eight-figure salary in 2024 (and possibly beyond). Trading the pick won’t cover the full cost of receivers like Sutton or Jeudy.
According to Over The Cap, Sutton is under contract until 2025 and will make $13 million next season. Jeudy will also make $12.98 million next season with his fifth-year option. While the Panthers are projected to have excess cap space in 2024, trading Sutton or Jeudy would likely lead to further negotiations, and both wideouts would have plenty of leverage in negotiations because they received assets.
The same can be said about other extensions. Trading Hunter Renfrow, as mentioned in previous mailboxes, would be an unnecessary addition to Thielen’s roster.
So, if there’s a mid-priced but well-paid slot receiver in trade, it’s not worth throwing away a long-term asset in hopes of saving the offense. Instead, the Panthers could look for assets by selling talent on the trade market.
This is usually done by struggling teams. And without a 2024 first-round pick, the Panthers should get as much of the future as possible this month. Carolina Panthers linebacker Brian Burns celebrates during the first half against the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday, Sept 10, 2023, at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. The Falcons defeated the Panthers 24-10.
Jared asks: If you were Scott Fitterer, who are the two players you would trade at the trade deadline? Brian Burns and Donte Jackson would be at the top of my list. Burns should theoretically be able to make a huge splash on the trade market. The Panthers don’t have a 2024 first-round pick and their season looks as dark as a Day 1 draft pick, with no light at the end of the tunnel.
Last season, the Panthers passed on the Los Angeles Rams, who offered two-plus first-round picks for Burns. The two first-round picks offered were reportedly due in 2024 and 2025 anyway, so the team could argue that it didn’t cost them much to keep Burns for a second season if they received a similar compensation package.
If GM Scott Fitterer were to take two first-round picks for Burns — and possibly more — it wouldn’t be a no-brainer deal, especially given the impasse in the pass extension negotiations. In Jackson’s case, that would mean getting rid of the team’s bad contract. The Panthers signed Jackson to a three-year, $35.18 million contract last season. So far, he is missing nine
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