The Carolina Panthers’ success in 2023 likely hinges on how quickly No. 1 overall pick, Bryce Young, adapts to the NFL. The Alabama product has been performing at a very high level throughout the offseason, quickly overtaking veteran Andy Dalton for the No. 1 spot on the depth chart.
Offensively, the pieces are there for him to find success right away. While the Panthers don’t have a star pass catcher for him to work with, there is solid depth in place. Veteran wide receivers Adam Thielen and DJ Chark were signed in free agency to join Terrace Marshall Jr. and Lavishka Shenault.
Tight end Hayden Hurst and running back Miles Sanders were also signed to make a strong skill position unit around the rookie quarterback. Defensively, however, things could still use some work.
One area that the Panthers could afford an upgrade at is pass rusher. They have a star in Brian Burns but it wouldn’t hurt to add some more juice alongside him. With the defensive scheme changing this season under head coach Frank Reich, a few more pieces would help.
The trade market could be where Carolina turns to find what they are looking for. Alex Ballentine of Bleacher Report suggested that they make a call to the New York Jets and try acquiring pass-rushing specialist, Bryce Huff.
What could a deal between the Panthers and Jets look like? Ballentine suggested Carolina send a 2024 fourth-round pick to New York in exchange for Huff. While the Jets certainly like what Huff brings to the table, as he had 16 pressures in 2022 despite playing only 20 percent of the snaps, his playing time could diminish even more in 2023.
New York added Will McDonald IV with their first-round pick, another pass rusher who will jump Huff on the depth chart. With Carl Lawson and Jermaine Johnson also ahead of him on the depth chart, a change of scenery would likely be welcomed by Huff.
On the Panthers, he would have a chance to carve out a significant role. Marquis Haynes Jr. and Yetur Gross-Matos are currently slated to battle it out for the starting spot opposite Burns. Adding another piece in Huff would give the Panthers a solid trio to round out the lineup opposite their star.
Still only 25 years old, Huff has plenty of room for growth. Given what he has shown capable of as a part-time player, a team such as the Panthers should be willing to give him an extended run and see if the production translates. If it does, they will have a big-time pass rusher on both sides of their defense.
