It is no secret that the Carolina Panthers are going to be sellers at the trade deadline. At 0-5, the team boasts one of the least competitive rosters in the league, and they do not have a first-round pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. With that in mind, the team could try and trade star defensive linemen Brian Burns or Derrick Brown in the coming weeks. Unfortunately, both players missed Thursday’s practice and are dealing with various injuries.
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Brian Burns, Derrick Brown Don’t Practice, Could Impact Trade Value
According to the official injury report, Burns is dealing with an ankle injury, while Brown is battling ankle and knee issues. Both players were limited on Wednesday but didn’t practice on Thursday. The fact that they were able to get on the field in some capacity earlier in the week implies that they will play in Sunday’s matchup against the Miami Dolphins, but this is definitely a situation to monitor.
Now more than ever, the Carolina Panthers need to keep these star defenders healthy. For better or worse, Bryce Young will be the starting quarterback for the next few years, and Carolina needs to surround him with as many resources as possible. This probably means that Brian Burns and/or Derrick Brown will depart by way of a trade, as Carolina reuses those assets on the offensive side of the ball.
We know that the Panthers turned down two first-round picks for Brian Burns last year, but if an offer like that comes up again, they need to pull the trigger. Derrick Brown probably won’t be quite as valuable as Brian Burns in a trade, but Carolina can still get something of value for the former first-round pick. Every single contender in the league wants to boost their front seven, but these teams make the most sense as trade destinations.
Possible Trade Partners
Derrick Brown – Los Angeles Chargers
The Los Angeles Chargers probably don’t have a chance of winning the AFC West, but they should be in the race for the Wild Card. Justin Herbert is one of the best quarterbacks in football, but the Chargers defense is an active liability. While they need help just about everywhere, their biggest weakness is along the defensive interior. Derrick Brown would immediately fix this glaring problem and help turn this team into a legitimate contender.
Brian Burns – Kansas City Chiefs
The Kansas City Chiefs are 5-1, but they don’t look as dominant as usual. Their once-unstoppable offense looks human now, and they’ll need a stronger defense if they want to repeat as Super Bowl champions. The team is reportedly interested in a Frank Clark reunion, but a Brian Burns trade would make this defensive line considerably better.
Both – Miami Dolphins
The Miami Dolphins have the best offense in football, but their defense could keep them from chasing a Super Bowl. The unit needs some serious reinforcements, and a Brian Burns or Derrick Brown trade could solve a lot of their issues. Teams are going to be passing early and often if they want to keep up with this high-octane attack, which means that Burns and Brown should be able to tee off against opposing offensive linemen. Both players could have career seasons in Miami and are a natural fit for a team that needs more pass rushers.
Both – Detroit Lions
The Dan Campbell Era in Detroit has been a massive success, as the Lions enter Week 6 with a 4-1 record and clear control of the NFC North. However, if they want to take the next step, they could consider a Brian Burns or Derrick Brown trade. Aidan Hutchinson is one of the best young pass rushers in the league and will remain a force for years to come. However, he is their only pass rusher of note. Pairing him with someone like Burns would create a near-unstoppable duo that could carry this defense to a long-awaited Super Bowl.
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Main Photo: Jim Dedmon – USA Today Sports
