The Carolina Panthers made a major change this week as they fired head coach Matt Rhule. He signed an unprecedented seven-year contract with the team but only made it through five games into Year 3 before a change was made.
The writing seemed to be on the wall when it was reported that Rhule had lost the locker room. Losing 25 consecutive games in which your opponent scores at least 17 points is certainly grounds for firing as well.
Steve Wilks will take over the head coaching position on an interim basis, but that is likely not the final move that the franchise will make. In a rebuild, they could start looking to trade some of their veteran players to land draft capital to restock the roster with.
One of the players that have been mentioned as a possible trade target is D.J. Moore. Moore is one of the numerous players that has seen his production fall off a cliff this season because of poor quarterback play. After recording at least 1,157 yards and four touchdowns in three consecutive seasons, Moore is on pace to put up career-low numbers across the board.
Back in March, the Panthers and Moore agreed to a three-year extension worth just under $62 million. It was a contract that he earned as he is a bonafide No. 1 receiver and there are already teams emerging for his services.
According to NFL Rumors on Twitter, the Baltimore Ravens, New York Giants and Green Bay Packers are teams to keep an eye on when it comes to trading for Moore.
Any team that acquires him from the Panthers would be on the hook for less than $1 million this season as they would not be responsible for any bonuses he has accrued. His salary is set to jump in 2023 to over $20 million, but he will cost $16.05 million in 2024 and 2025 should a team trade for him.
The Giants would have to pull some cap gymnastics to get a deal done as they are strapped for cash courtesy of the previous regime led by Dave Gettleman. But their need for help at the wide receiver position is well known.
Green Bay could use a go-to target to replace Davante Adams, who was traded to the Las Vegas Raiders. Moore would fill that void and hopefully help get their offense back on track after a slow start.
The Ravens traded away Marquise Brown, their No. 1 receiver, during the 2022 NFL Draft. Lamar Jackson has found success throwing the ball to tight end Mark Andrews, but giving him a true No. 1 wide receiver should only help him take his game to the next level.
