The Carolina Panthers have been a disaster. The team sits at 1-7 through their first eight games of the season. Now, it appears Carolina is selling before the NFL trade deadline.
Carolina Panthers Receiver Expected to Be Traded
Carolina Panthers wide receiver Diontae Johnson is reportedly on the trade block, with a potential trade expected to be finalized by next week. The 28-year-old has been the most consistent receiver for the Panthers, leading the team in receiving yards and receptions. However, with the Panthers looking to retool their roster, Johnson’s departure could provide valuable draft capital or additional support for other areas of need. Numerous contending teams will be calling Carolina to acquire Johnson. This is especially true for teams seeking receiver depth. This makes Johnson an appealing trade target for those aiming to strengthen their passing game.
Panthers Pass Game
If Johnson is traded, Carolina will likely lean even more heavily on their young receiving corps. Rookie wide receiver Xavier Legette will likely be the new number-one receiver in Carolina. Legette ranks second on the team in receiving yards and is tied with Johnson for the most receiving touchdowns with three. Starting running back Chuba Hubbard ranks second on the team in receptions, and this number is likely to rise with the absence of Johnson. Look for Jalen Coker to see increased involvement in the passing game as Carolina will need to figure out how to adapt to the absence of one of their primary pass catchers.
Looking Ahead
The potential trade has bigger implications for the Panthers than just this season. As they currently hold a 1-7 record, Carolina is undoubtedly in a rebuilding phase. Trading Johnson could accelerate this process by acquiring additional draft picks or young talent, providing flexibility for future roster construction. The long-term benefits of a trade could position the Panthers more favorably in the coming years.
Main Photo: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images
