After going defense-heavy in NFL free agency last month, the Carolina Panthers enter the 2025 NFL Draft in an interesting spot. The Panthers have the eighth overall pick, putting them in the range to take the best player available.
At No. 8 overall, Carolina could look to add more playmakers to its front seven after last year’s debacle on defense. The Panthers could also use their first-round selection on a wide receiver, as they didn’t make a significant addition in free agency. The only move Carolina made at WR was to re-sign veteran David Moore.
The Panthers could also be a potential trade partner for a team looking to move up in the draft for a particular player. Joe Person of The Athletic reported on Monday that Carolina is “open to the idea of moving back,” depending on what happens with the previous picks in front of them.
"First, any other team targeting [Shedeur] Sanders (or another quarterback) could look to move in front of the [New Orleans] Saints by trading with the Panthers, who are open to the idea of moving back depending on what happens in front of them in the draft, according to league sources."
The latest reports heading into the 2025 NFL Draft are that Shedeur Sanders won’t be drafted by the Cleveland Browns or New York Giants at Nos. 2 or 3, but that could be a smokescreen.
However, if he does fall, the New Orleans Saints have been mentioned as a possible option at No. 9 overall. The Saints suddenly have some uncertainty at quarterback, as veteran Derek Carr is dealing with a significant shoulder injury that could impact his 2025 season.
Therefore, if the Panthers stay at No. 8 overall, the Saints shouldn’t worry about Sanders falling to them. But if another QB-needy team also wants Sanders or even Ole Miss Jaxson Dart, who has received first-round buzz, Carolina could get a nice haul for No. 8 to drop back.
In January, Panthers GM Dan Morgan discussed trading the No. 8 overall pick for more draft capital and didn’t seem opposed to the idea.
Nonetheless, it will be interesting to see how it all plays out in a couple of weeks at Lambeau Field in Green Bay. Carolina could hold the key to how the rest of the first round or at least the top 10 goes.