The Carolina Panthers retooled their roster in the offseason, which has made them into a better team. In 2020, the Panthers had a disappointing season with a record of 5-11. With a newly built roster, the Panthers have a shot at sneaking into the playoffs.
The biggest change that was made in the offseason was at the quarterback position. They traded away Teddy Bridgewater and acquired former New York Jets quarterback Sam Darnold. Darnold struggled with the Jets, but he didn't have a ton of talent around him. He is still a young quarterback and could develop into a franchise quarterback.
The Panthers have built up a young roster that is ready to compete. However, they could become an even better team with a few trades.
Here are 3 potential trade candidates for the Panthers entering the 2021 training camp.
Panthers' 3 Best Trade Targets
3. Defensive tackle Javon Hargrave
The Panthers have a great defensive line but are missing a second defensive tackle. A player like Javon Hargrave would make a ton of sense for them to acquire. He currently plays for the Philadelphia Eagles, who are currently retooling their roster. Hargrave is a solid player that could make their defensive line an elite unit.
The Panthers currently have Brian Burns, Derrick Brown, and Haason Reddick anchoring the defensive line. These guys are elite-level talent and adding Hargrave would complete the unit. He is a solid pass rusher and run stopper, as shown by his 4.5 sacks last season.
If the Panthers can make a deal for Hargrave, they could have the top defensive line in 2021.
2. Tight end Zach Ertz
One of the Panthers' biggest positions of need is tight end. Their current number one tight end is Dan Arnold, who is solid but nothing extraordinary. Zach Ertz is a tight end that is on the trade block as the Eagles look to retool. He is a three-time Pro Bowler, but he struggled in the 2020 season.
Ertz only played in 11 games finishing with 335 yards and 1 touchdown. While these stats are low, Ertz was playing with an Eagles team that was struggling offensively. A new situation could revitalize his career back to his Pro Bowl level. This trade would give the Panthers' new quarterback Darnold another target to throw to.
1. Safety Justin Reid
The most ideal trade for the Panthers to make would be for safety Justin Reid. Reid currently plays for the Houston Texans, who are currently in a rebuild. He is one of the best young safeties in the league and would make the defense an elite unit.
This trade won't come easy as he is a very valuable player. However, the Panthers should make an offer for him, as they could create the best safety duo in the league. Jeremy Chinn had an incredible rookie season that included 2 touchdowns.
Reid is a young player that could become a core piece if they make this trade.
Panthers 2021 season preview
The Panthers have an exciting season ahead with all of their new talent. If the young players develop, Carolina s could make a playoff run this season. The main thing standing in their way will be division rivals. They are in the division with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, New Orleans Saints, and Atlanta Falcons. The Buccaneers are the toughest rival as they are the reigning Super Bowl Champions.
Look for the Panthers to make a playoff push with their young roster, especially if they make a few trades.
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