Despite some preseason excitement, nobody is buying in on the Carolina Panthers anymore. So now, at 0-6, it may be time for them to sell.
With the trade deadline around the corner, Around the NFL writer Kevin Patra recently sorted out this year’s buyers and sellers. He, obviously, puts the Panthers into the latter group—writing that it’s time to recoup on some lost draft capital.
He lists linebackers Brian Burns and Frankie Luvu, safety Jeremy Chinn and wide receiver Terrace Marshall Jr. as potential bargaining chips for Carolina:
Change is already on its way in Carolina, with coach Frank Reich handing over play-calling duties to OC Thomas Brown. More could be coming for the winless Panthers heading toward the trade deadline. Without a first-round pick and currently holding just six total selections in 2024, Carolina should look to replenish now. Brian Burns, who is scheduled to become a free agent this offseason, would be the biggest trade chip. While moving the pass rusher would be a significant dent to the Panthers’ D, it could be their best way to recoup a high pick. Frankie Luvu and Jeremy Chinn also have expiring deals, although Chinn’s reported injury likely kills his trade value. Terrace Marshall Jr., a 2021 second-round pick, has not been productive despite the Panthers’ limited receiver corps, catching just 16 passes entering Week 7.
As Patra notes, it’ll be tough to get anything out of Chinn—who is reportedly expected to miss up to six weeks with a hamstring injury. The same could apply to Marshall Jr., who has reeled in as many catches as your grandmother has over the past two weeks.
The real value, rather, would come out of possible deals for Burns and Luvu—two of the team’s most dynamic defenders. Burns currently leads the team with 4.0 sacks and is making a case for a third straight Pro Bowl nod while Luvu has been the heart of an injury-plagued unit.
But are the Panthers ready to part ways with those two important players (and leaders) this quickly into the Frank Reich era?
