The Carolina Panthers have made some major moves this offseason. They have been aggressive, signing seven players away from teams that played elsewhere in 2022. Some of their biggest needs have been addressed, as they upgraded their defensive line and secondary while adding multiple pass catchers offensively.
Their biggest splash signing was running back Miles Sanders, but their blockbuster move of the offseason was making a trade with the Chicago Bears. Carolina made a move to acquire the No. 1 overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft.
To get the deal done, the Panthers traded four draft picks to Chicago. The Panthers will now have the opportunity to select whichever quarterback they want with the first pick. A quarterback has been a big need for years in Carolina and now they will have the chance to address it.
However, whichever prospect they do select, or if it is Andy Dalton in the early going, more playmakers are needed. Sanders will lead the running game, but to complete the trade with the Bears, they also included No. 1 wide receiver, D.J. Moore.
Veteran Adam Thielen was signed in free agency to help offset that loss along with tight end Hayden Hurst. If the Panthers want to help their quarterbacks succeed right away, they can get aggressive and make another trade.
One potential trade target could be DeAndre Hopkins of the Arizona Cardinals. Arizona is looking to reset a bit and no longer seems to have Hopkins in its long-term plans. The number of games that he has missed the last two seasons is concerning, but Hopkins remains productive when on the field.
What could it cost to land the veteran pass catcher? The Cardinals are reportedly seeking a second-round pick and one more asset. But, given some of the red flags facing Hopkins, including his contract, they may struggle to get that.
After parting ways with four premium picks to move up, the Panthers will have to get creative in making a move for him. They can offer their third-round pick, No. 93 overall and wide receiver Terrace Marshall Jr. and see if the Cardinals bite.
A Day 2 pick is a pretty nice haul for a 30-year-old wide receiver that wants a new deal and has missed 15 games the last two seasons. Marshall was a third-round pick in 2021 and has yet to really make an impact, but his 17.5 yards per reception in 2022 is certainly something that could help the Cardinals’ offense.
As for the Panthers, they get a true No. 1 option in the passing game, something their young quarterback will benefit from greatly. Carolina would be doing their rookie signal-caller a disservice if his receiving corps going into the season is Thilen, Marshall, Lavish Shenault Jr. and Shi Smith has his top options at wide receiver.
