The trade deadline in the NFL is a little over three weeks away, and it seems like this year has been a whirlwind of trade rumors involving a number of high-profile players, including Raiders’ wide receiver Davante Adams, Browns’ wide receiver Amari Cooper, Steelers quarterback Russell Wilson, and a host of others.
While the trade deadline in the NFL may not have the pomp and circumstance that the deadlines in the NBA and MLB have, this year’s deadline could be one of the more active ones in recent memory. With that in mind, Heavy.com NFL analyst Devon Clements recently compiled his list of 10 players most likely to be dealt at the deadline, and there are a pair of Carolina Panthers who have made the list.
The first – and most obvious – name on the list is quarterback Bryce Young. Young was benched several weeks ago in favor of backup quarterback Andy Dalton, and that decision sparked a firestorm of rumors that the former #1 pick would be dealt after struggling for two seasons with the Panthers. The Panthers have given no indication that they intend to trade their young quarterback, and recently some have begun to wonder if the Panthers may move Young back into the starting lineup.
However, Clements still thinks the Panthers may choose to cut their losses with their former #1 pick and try to see some return on him. There’s likely a sizable market for Young, as ESPN Insider Adam Schefter has already reported that several teams contacted the Panthers to gauge their interest in a trade when the news first broke of Young’s demotion.
Clements – and likely many within the league – believe it’s only a matter of time before the Panthers change their tune and start to put out feelers for what they can get in return for Young, especially in light of how much better the Panthers offense has looked overall with Dalton at the helm.
The other Panthers player on this list may not be as obvious, but is one who has had a rumor or two about his status floated as well, and that is wide receiver Adam Thielen. Thielen isn’t likely to garner near as much interest as Young would, but if the Panthers are going to have a firesale, there is a market out there for a reliable, veteran wide receiver. A team like the Chiefs or Bills, who are legitimate Super Bowl contenders but have a clear need at the position, could be willing to take a flier on the veteran who’s likely in the last throes of his professional career.
