Panthers Commit to Tanking in Regretful Projected Trade

With the NFL trade deadline approaching, the Carolina Panthers are expected to be one of the most active teams on the market. After another disastrous season that has the Panthers at the bottom of the NFC once again, GM Dan Morgan will presumably be open to trading the valuable veterans on the team in exchange for draft capital.

One of those veterans is star defender Jadeveon Clowney. The former No. 1 overall pick signed a two-year, $20 million contract with the Panthers in the offseason but has failed to improve the defensive unit so far. Considering the fact that there is no reason for Carolina to hold on to a 31-year-old pass rusher as they have their eyes set on the 2025 NFL Draft, Clowney will certainly be available at the deadline.

In fact, The Athletic's Dianna Russini listed Clowney among the veteran pass rushers to draw interest in the trade market, along with Cleveland's Za'Darius Smith and Green Bay's Preston Smith.

One team that makes sense in such a deal is the Philadelphia Eagles. After losing Haason Reddick in the offseason, the Eagles haven't been able to replace his production despite signing Bryce Huff. As a result, their defense has struggled to reach its peak levels.

It would likely require at least a fourth-round pick for the Eagles to lure Clowney away from Carolina. Another concoction could be a third-rounder going the Panthers' way while Carolina sends a sixth-rounder back to Philadelphia.

Clowney hasn't been at the top of his form this season, recording one sack, two tackles for loss, and two QB hits in five games. Considering that he matched his career-high in sacks just last season, there may be another level Clowney can hit on a contender like the Eagles.

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