Possible Panthers Trade Target Seeing Uptick in Interest Before Cutdown Day
By Cem Yolbulan
As teams around the NFL are desperately trying to cut down their roster from 90 to 53 before Tuesday's deadline, new trade and signing opportunities emerge. The Carolina Panthers, who are trying to take a big step forward this season, will also be looking for last-minute additions to upgrade the roster ahead of Week 1.
One of those potential last-minute additions is a familiar face to Bryce Young. His former Alabama teammate John Metchie III is a name being mentioned in trade rumors. According to Jordan Schultz, multiple teams have reached out to the Houston Texans with the hopes of poaching the talented wide receiver. The Panthers could very well be one of those teams.
Bryce Young's Former Favorite Target is Potential Trade Candidate
Sources: Multiple teams have reached out to the #Texans to see if WR John Metchie III would be available in trade due to the plethora of receivers on their roster. It’s unclear if Houston would move him, but several team are keeping a close eye.
— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) August 26, 2024
The former 2nd-round pick out of… pic.twitter.com/2CmV2nMrbY
Metchie and Young were a dangerous partnership in 2021 as the 5-foot-11 pass-catcher put up 1,142 yards and eight touchdowns in 96 catches. Young threw for 4,872 yards and had 47 touchdowns to seven interceptions that year, winning the Heisman Trophy.
Unfortunately, Metchie had an unlucky start to his NFL career. After being selected by the Texans in the 2022 NFL Draft, he was diagnosed with acute promyelocytic leukemia, forcing him to miss his rookie season. He was eventually cleared for his second season after he was declared as being in remission.
In the crowded Houston receiver room, Metchie hasn't been able to carve out a big role. Stefon Diggs, Nico Collins, and Tank Dell make it hard for any playmaker to fully crack the rotation.
That is why it is understandable that teams are calling to see if the 24-year-old is available. So far, the Texans haven't made Metchie publicly available but for the right offer, he should be acquirable.
The Panthers have an improved wide receiver corps but it is still far from elite. The addition of Diontae Johnson and the selection of Xavier Legette give Young more weapons. But reuniting him with Metchie, who could have a chance to start in Carolina, is something they should seriously consider.
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