Panthers Trade for Elite WR to Pair With Bryce Young in Offseason Projection

Despite having lost three straight and sitting at the bottom of the NFC South once again, things are looking up for the Carolina Panthers. They have been playing more competitive football while not jeopardizing their high pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. Bryce Young is finally looking like an NFL quarterback and the Panthers are already looking for ways to build around him.

While the Panthers are showing more promise, they still need significant upgrades on both ends of the field. They currently have the worst defense in the league while ranking 28th offensively. They will likely target playmakers for Bryce Young on the trade market and free agency. In fact, one wide receiver rumored to be on the trade market would be a fascinating addition for Carolina.

Garrett Wilson of the New York Jets is expected to be available in the offseason. The talented wide receiver is headed to his third straight losing season after being selected in the first round of the 2022 NFL Draft. The Jets aren't going anywhere anytime soon, so they will potentially explore what they can get for Wilson.

The Panthers could acquire Wilson with a package consisting of a first-round and a third-round pick.

The Panthers have high expectations from Xavier Legette and Jalen Coker going forward, but Wilson is at a different level, both currently and in terms of upside. Despite the dysfunctional offensive ecosystem in New York, Wilson was able to deliver back-to-back 1,000+ yard seasons and is well on his way to a third one.

Wilson has 877 yards and five touchdowns in 13 games for one of the worst offenses in the NFL. He would immediately be the best WR Bryce Young has ever played with. The fact that Wilson has a team option for 2026 and that the Panthers don't need to give him a contract extension immediately makes him a very intriguing trade target for GM Dan Morgan.

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