The Carolina Panthers or Los Angeles Chargers could steal Packers trade candidate quarterback Zach Wilson as week two is starting. Bleacher Report believes the trade market for a quarterback could stir up soon, so they’re putting Wilson on the board to replace Jaguars quarterback Mac Jones. Wilson has been a disappointment in the 2021 draft class but being behind Bo Nix and Jarrett Stidham, he could be an expendable trade chip. However, the former first-round bust has been having moments where teams could view him as a trade candidate after his performance this past preseason.
If any roster is looking for depth and reliability at the quarterback position, they might want to start making phone calls to Denver. This is why the source lists Wilson as a trade candidate for the Packers being that Jordan Love will miss a couple of weeks due to injury. According to NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero, Green Bay is not looking to add a veteran signal-caller. The stance could change after a couple of weeks and backup Malik Willis isn’t showing anything to intrigue coaches.
Wilson wasn’t on the active roster this past week but the Broncos are using him for emergency services. Nix beat out Stidham and Wilson for the starting job so it might be safe for Wilson to move somewhere he can earn at least a backup role. His starting days may be behind him already but a team like the Chargers needs some stability on the depth chart. Easton Stick won’t win football games so the Chargers can’t afford to lose Justin Herbert but someone like Wilson could give them a fighting chance.
The Broncos brought Wilson through a trade earlier this offseason but they may be using him as bait.
Panthers, Chargers Could Steal Packers Trade Candidate Zach Wilson
Trouble in Carolina
It’s fair to see that if the Panthers don’t see any improvement from Bryce Young, then they would probably bench him. Things are already crashing in Carolina even though it’s just the first week after losing defensive lineman Derrick Brown to a season-ending injury. It’s a tough blow and it doesn’t help that the offense is on a slow start, especially with Young not able to connect with any receiver for a touchdown. Diontae Johnson and Rookie Xavier Legette were brought in for those reasons but this may be Johnson’s only year with the Panthers since they haven’t discussed an extension.
The Panthers are going through trial and error for the next few seasons but if they continue to see Young struggling, they could trade him next season. It would probably be pointless to keep him in the lineup on a losing season, especially after the disastrous year that they already had last season. Anything can happen and it could be Wilson’s last opportunity to be a starter which he could use to his advantage this year if the Panthers trade for him.
Other Possible Trade Destinations
Baltimore Ravens
The quarterback position isn’t the biggest need but if Tyler Huntley isn’t ready to step in, they could bring Wilson. Lamar Jackson has been the starter for a long time but injuries happen and they could use some insurance behind Huntley. Wilson may not beat out Huntley for the backup role but it’s an opportunity for the Ravens to rotate both quarterbacks if it comes down to it.
New Orleans Saints
Derek Carr is on fire right now after his performance in week one but the Saints want to see more this year. They probably will only keep Carr around if he at least wins a playoff game. New Orleans should probably play it safe this year and trade for Wilson if they feel like Carr isn’t the answer and they’re on a losing season. Rookie Spencer Rattler is an effective backup but he has some growing pains to go through so Wilson may be more fresh than Rattler.
New York Giants
The Giants might have to start thinking about life after Daniel Jones despite him signing a big-time extension last year. It has many scratching their heads at why the Giants gave him that deal. New York has Drew Lock but they may have to start thinking about the long-term future. Rotating Lock and Wilson might be the safest route for the Giants until they find their immediate starter.
