Carolina Panthers Face Key Decisions Ahead Of NFL Trade Deadline

Panthers Lead Division Despite Mixed Start

The Carolina Panthers are preparing for the NFL trade deadline on Tuesday at 4 p.m. ET. Carolina holds a 3-4 record but remains at the top of the NFC South. No team in the division currently has a record above .500.

General manager Dan Morgan can choose to add talent, trade away expensive players, or hold on to the current squad. Carolina has only $684,323 in salary cap space, according to the NFLPA report. The team can restructure existing contracts to clear room, but looking for bargains on rookie deals is more realistic.

Targets That Could Help Carolina

Las Vegas Raiders interior lineman Jackson Powers-Johnson is one potential target. The 23 year old has guard and center versatility. He is signed through 2027 with a base salary of $1.6 million this year and under $2 million next year. He could serve as backup depth while Brady Christensen works back from injured reserve.

New York Jets pass rusher Will McDonald IV is another name to watch. Carolina ranks 29th in sack rate at 4.56 percent. McDonald has three sacks and 14 tackles in eight games. The front office liked him in the 2023 draft, but his weak run defense and a $13.7 million option in 2027 could prevent a deal.

The team could also consider Los Angeles Chargers running back Kimani Vidal. Starter Chuba Hubbard has 540 rushing yards and seven touchdowns, but Jonathon Brooks remains out on injured reserve with a core muscle and groin injury.

Potential Trades Away From Carolina

Carolina could also listen to offers for current players. Right guard Robert Hunt is one player who could attract interest. Moving the 30 year old would free up $19 million in cap space next year.

Hunt has struggled this season playing between Luke Fortner and rookie Monroe Freeling. However, Carolina has depth issues on the line, which could make trading him risky.

The Panthers play host to the 6-2 Denver Broncos on Sunday before the deadline arrives.