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Throughout the history of the NFL, there haven't been many player-for-player trades. But on Wednesday, that changed when the Los Angeles Chargers sent Russell Okung to the Carolina Panthers in exchange for Trai Turner. Following the peculiar trade, Turner reacted to being traded from the Panthers to the Chargers.
“I’m embracing everything,” Turner said via SiriusXM NFL Radio. “Embracing the opportunity to go out west and play for an up and coming team.”
Earlier this week, reports surfaced that Carolina was attempting to find a trade partner for Turner. Then, out of nowhere, Turner was sent to join a Chargers team in dire need of help on the offensive line.
Back in 2014, Turner was drafted by the Panthers in the third round out of LSU. Since arriving to the NFL, Turner was the starting right guard in Carolina. Impressively, the LSU product was named to the Pro Bowl in five of his six seasons thus far.
For the Chargers, they are acquiring Turner to replace Michael Schofield at right guard. Schofield, who's been with the Chargers since 2014, is set to become a free agent in the coming weeks.
Also, Los Angeles was uncertain about keeping Okung moving forward due to his $13 million cap hit in 2020. Plus, Okung is entering the final year of his contract. On the other hand, the Chargers have Turner under contract for another two years.
On Friday, Los Angeles signed Austin Ekeler to a four-year, $24.5 million contract to become the team's featured back. Besides trading for Turner, the Chargers figure to add more pieces to the offensive line this offseason to make it easier on Ekeler, and whoever is under center next season.
