**Three Key Trade Targets for the Panthers to Complete Their 2024 Roster**
The Carolina Panthers are at a crucial juncture in their quest to regain prominence in the NFL. After a season filled with ups and downs, it’s clear that the team needs several key pieces to strengthen their roster for the 2024 campaign. With the right trades, the Panthers can elevate from hopeful contenders to formidable challengers. Here, we identify three essential trade targets—Courtland Sutton, Dawson Knox, and Tremaine Edmunds—that the Panthers should pursue to complete their roster and make a serious playoff push.
**Reflecting on the 2023 Season**
The Panthers had a tough 2023-2024 season, finishing with a league-worst 2-15 record. Rookie quarterback Bryce Young showed flashes of potential, throwing for 2,877 yards, 10 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions despite the team’s struggles. Unfortunately, the Panthers traded away the first pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, along with wide receiver DJ Moore, to secure the first pick of the 2023 draft.
Significant changes followed. On January 24, the Panthers appointed Dave Canales as their new head coach after dismissing Frank Reich and Chris Tabor. General Manager Scott Fitterer was relieved of his duties on January 8, and Dan Morgan, a former Panthers first-round pick, was promoted to President of Football Operations and General Manager on January 22. The Panthers also drafted promising rookies like Xavier Legette, Jonathon Brooks, and Trevin Wallace in the 2024 NFL Draft.
**Three Key Trade Targets**
**1. Courtland Sutton, WR**
Denver Broncos wide receiver Courtland Sutton has been seeking a new contract and has been the subject of trade rumors. Despite the Broncos’ reluctance to trade him, Sutton’s dissatisfaction with his current deal makes a trade plausible. With the Broncos in a rebuilding phase and unlikely to compete for the AFC West title or a playoff berth, Sutton could be a transformative addition for the Panthers. His ability to exploit defenses with deep routes and high-point catches would provide Bryce Young with a dynamic target, while also creating opportunities for other receivers like Diontae Johnson. Acquiring Sutton could involve leveraging draft capital or a promising young player, but his immediate impact on the Panthers would be substantial.
**2. Dawson Knox, TE**
Dawson Knox had strong seasons in 2021 and 2022, but his role diminished significantly with the rise of Dalton Kincaid. Despite this, Knox remains a top-tier tight end who could thrive on a team with playoff aspirations. After restructuring his contract, Knox’s cap hit is manageable for 2024, making him an attractive trade target. His versatility and red-zone presence would greatly improve the Panthers’ offense, providing Bryce Young with a reliable target. Acquiring Knox would likely require a high draft pick and a role player, but the investment would bring immediate and future benefits.
**3. Tremaine Edmunds, LB**
The Chicago Bears signed linebacker Tremaine Edmunds to a four-year, $72 million deal last year, but his performance didn’t live up to expectations. Trading Edmunds would free up $20 million in cap space for the Bears, making it a viable option. Edmunds’ quick play diagnosis and sideline-to-sideline range would significantly enhance the Panthers’ defense. Pairing him with Shaq Thompson would create a formidable linebacker duo. The Panthers could structure a trade involving draft picks and possibly a defensive player to acquire Edmunds, whose impact would be immediate and profound.
**Looking Ahead**
The 2024 season holds immense promise for the Carolina Panthers, but realizing that potential requires strategic moves to address key roster gaps. Trading for Courtland Sutton, Dawson Knox, and Tremaine Edmunds would provide the Panthers with veteran leadership, offensive firepower, and defensive prowess. These acquisitions would not only fill immediate needs but also position the team for sustained success in the future. As the Panthers gear up for the offseason, these trade targets should be at the top of their list, offering a clear path to transforming their promising roster into a powerhouse capable of making a deep playoff run.
