Panthers Finally Move on from Pro Bowler Veteran in Latest Trade Proposal

The NFL trade deadline is approaching. With the November 5 date right around the corner, the trade market has already heated up with two big wide receiver deals. Davante Adams went to the Jets while Amari Cooper headed to Buffalo as the contenders loaded up for the second half of the season.

With the splashiest wide receivers now off the board, teams will likely turn to the lower tier of pass-catchers. That tier includes the Carolina Panthers wide receiver Adam Thielen.

For teams looking for more WR depth and competence, Thielen is an excellent option. In fact, Cody Benjamin of CBS Sports came up with a trade proposal that could work for both the Panthers and the Pittsburgh Steelers. In that scenario, the AFC North contenders give up a fifth-round pick for the 34-year-old.

"He's got a much lower ceiling than a playmaker like Adams, but when healthy, he's remained one of the NFL's most surehanded possession targets, making him a logical partner for the more explosive George Pickens in Pittsburgh's otherwise old-school attack."

- Cody Benjamin, CBS Sports

The Panthers are currently 1-5 and clearly need more time to become a relevant and competitive NFL team. Thielen is under contract for another season after this one and there is no need for the Panthers to keep him around.

In Week 3, Thielen suffered a hamstring injury and was subsequently placed on the IR list. He is set to miss Carolina's Week 7 clash against the Commanders but he is expected to make full recovery and return the action this season.

Instead of retaining him and playing him over the young players like Jonathan Mingo, Xavier Legette, and Jalen Coker, the Panthers are better off taking whatever they can get for the former Pro Bowler.

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