The Carolina Panthers reportedly have been making a push to get rookie quarterback Bryce Young even more weapons and have been looking to add another starting receiver to their roster via a trade.
The 2023 NFL season has gotten off to a rocky start for the Carolina Panthers and new head coach Frank Reich. A lot was done in the offseason to boost their offense. Along with bringing in an offensive-minded leader like Reich, they used the top overall pick in the NFL Draft to take Young and signed Pro Bowl-level players like Miles Sanders, DJ Chark, and Adam Theilen in the offseason.
However, after three weeks the unit is in the back half of the league in many key statistical categories and is only averaging 18 points per game heading into their Week 4 matchup against the winless Minnesota Vikings. That, along with their 0-3 record may explain an interesting report from Ian Rapoport on Sunday morning.
The NFL media league insider revealed this weekend that “The Panthers already have been active on the trade front this season, sources say, calling several teams about a potential trade for a starting wide receiver.”
Along with the addition of Chark and Theilen, the organization also used a second-round pick on wide receiver Jonathan Mingo. Unfortunately, the standout from Ole Miss — as well as the other receivers on the team — have gotten off to a slow start this season.
The 2023 NFL trade deadline is not until Oct. 31, so it may be difficult for the Panthers to be able to land an impact from many teams who are willing to be patient and let a few more weeks play out before they start selling off pieces and looking toward 2024. However, there are still some notable players that could be had sooner if Carolina is willing to pay the price.
5 receiver Carolina Panthers could swing a trade for before Oct. 31
Davante Adams
Las Vegas Raiders star receiver Davante Adams and his apparent unhappiness with the team and their decisions have been well-documented over the last six months. The six-time Pro Bowler would be a huge help to Young and make his transition to the next level that much easier. The biggest issue would be his expensive contract — although there is an opt-out after next season — and if his desire to be on a winning team now could be detrimental to their young QB.
Nevertheless, you may never get as talented a receiver at such a reasonable price as the Panthers might get for Adams right now.
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K.J Osborn
When they face the Vikings this week, the Carolina Panthers could scout receiver KJ Osborn as a potential trade target. Minnesota looks headed to a losing season, and since they are one team that could very much be sellers before the deadline, Osborn could certainly be on the block since the team already has a superstar receiver in Justin Jefferson and drafted Jordan Addison in the first round in April.
Osborn has shown solid upside after being taken in the fifth round in 2020.
Chase Claypool
Chase Claypool was a healthy inactive in Week 4 for the Chicago Bears after he criticized the coaching staff for how he has been used this season. He has developed a reputation as a malcontent in his short NFL career. However, there is no denying his talent and maybe being traded before consecutive trade deadlines the last two years could be a humbling wake-up call to get him refocused on the right things.
Courtland Sutton
The Denver Broncos are another team headed toward a likely losing season. Both of their top receivers were rumored to be on the block in the spring, and the organization could finally pull the trigger in October. That is why one-time Pro Bowler Courtland Sutton could be a target for Carolina.
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Hunter Renfrow
While many wonder if the Raiders might move Adams, Hunter Renfrow was at the center of trade rumors during the offseason. In the end, the team moved tight-end Darren Waller but Renfrow has a very limited role in the current offense and would be an affordable addition that can slip right in with the Panthers’ other one-time Pro Bowl receivers.