3. Carolina Panthers
Don’t look now, but the Carolina Panthers are in the thick of the playoff race with a 4-3 record. While quarterback Bryce Young is battling an ankle injury, veteran Andy Dalton is more than capable of keeping this ship afloat if he needs to start for a few weeks. Nobody thinks this team is a legitimate contender, but they’re building a strong foundation that could include Jermaine Johnson if they trade for him.
In the short term, Carolina can add Johnson to a promising but overall untested group of edge defenders highlighted by second-round pick Nic Scourton. Johnson can be the proven veteran presence this team desperately needs and, seeing as he’s currently just 26 years old, could be a key part of this team’s future.
