4. Carolina Panthers
After years of living in the NFC South’s basement, the 4-3 Carolina Panthers finally have hope for the future. Bryce Young continues to improve, the offensive line is holding up despite some injuries, and the young wide receivers are playing solid football. While Young will miss Week 8 with an ankle injury, it appears as though he’ll be back on his feet in no time, which means the Panthers should buy at the trade deadline.
This team is not a Rashid Shaheed trade away from winning the Super Bowl, but the four-year veteran could add a much-needed dynamic to this offense. First-round picks Tetairoa McMillan and Xavier Legette are having strong seasons, but neither player is a pure speed threat. Shaheed could add a vertical element to this offense that defenses must respect, which will only open up more space for McMillan, Legette, and second-year veteran Jalen Coker. The only question is whether the Saints would send a player like Shaheed to a division rival.
