The Carolina Panthers are facing a critical offseason. The team started off hot last year with a 6-2 record, but faded quickly. Cam Newton's health deteriorated and they ended up finishing 7-9. They'll need to make some big improvements this offseason, both at their skill positions and in the secondary. Here are three potential trade targets for them:
1. WR Antonio Brown
Brown has been connected to almost every team in the league, but you haven't heard much about the Panthers. As the Pittsburgh Steelers continue to strike out in negotiations, the Panthers could emerge as a dark-horse suitor. The Panthers definitely need an upgrade at receiver. They need to surround Newton with better weapons. They haven't had a real number-one receiver in a while. Last year's number one, Devin Funchess, is set to be a free agent. The rest of their receivers who have promise — Curtis Samuel, D.J. Moore, and others — are all still really young. Getting an established star such as Brown would get Newton back to an MVP level.
2. CB Trae Waynes
A report last week indicated the Minnesota Vikings were shopping Waynes at the combine. Waynes, a 2015 first-round pick, has never quite lived up to his draft status in Minnesota, but he has also shown a lot of promise and is still only 26. The Panthers have very little talent in their secondary and are the perfect team to take a shot on his upside. Their secondary got abused all year last season, and cornerback might be the most important position for them to address. Waynes likely wouldn't require more than a middle-round draft pick to land, and the Panthers would be an ideal landing spot. Waynes was a first-round pick for a reason, and he has also played very well at times. It makes a lot of sense for both sides as the Panthers aim to rebuild their defense.
3. DeSean Jackson
The Panthers need to add a receiver. If they don't get Brown, they should turn their attention to Jackson. He is still under contract with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers but reportedly wants out. If Newton's shoulder is back to full health next season, the Panthers will want to reclaim their vertical passing game. Jackson's speed would be a perfect match with Newton's big arm. Jackson showed this past year in Tampa he still has plenty left in the tank. Newton isn't going to have any sort of resurgence if he is surrounded by a bunch of young and unproven receivers. He needs a consistent weapon with more experience. Jackson would certainly fit the bill.
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