Panthers Reluctant to Move Veteran Playmaker Ahead of Trade Deadline
By Cem Yolbulan
The Carolina Panthers are off to a miserable 1-5 start. Despite significant optimism under new head coach Dave Canales before the season, the Panthers picked up where they left off last season. Even the polarizing decision to bench Bryce Young and start Andy Dalton didn't help them get back on track.
With another lost season on the books, the Panthers may decide to have a fire sale at the November 5th trade deadline. Moving on from their valuable veterans and expiring contracts in exchange for draft compensation could be a worthy strategy for GM Dan Morgan.
One of the players who could draw interest in the trade market is WR Diontae Johnson. The 28-year-old receiver was acquired by Carolina in a trade with the Steelers in the offseason and is off to a good start, putting up 29 catches, 340 yards, and three touchdowns.
As a result, receiver-needy teams, most notably the Kansas City Chiefs, have been linked to the veteran Pro Bowler. ESPN's Dan Graziano and Jeremy Fowler noted Johnson's name as a potential target for the Chiefs ahead of the deadline. However, they added that the Panthers "do not seem eager to deal him just yet."
While it is understandable that the Panthers want to keep their most talented pass-catcher, Johnson will be a free agent in the 2025 offseason. They will have to give him a long-term contract extension or risk him leaving for nothing. If they can get anything valuable in return while Johnson's stock is high, they should seriously consider it even if it means they take a step back offensively this season.
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