The Carolina Panthers are entering a rebuilding period. Even in our best-case scenario projections for the 2020 season, they won’t win more than eight games or compete for a wild card spot. That means it makes sense for them to consider trades that will help them build for the future by stockpiling more draft picks.
Here are four players who might get moved at some point this year.
K Graham Gano
Why: Gano was the most accurate field goal kicker in the league in 2017. However, that was an eternity ago in football terms, especially after he sat out all of last year with a fractured femur. Plus, the Panthers have a younger, cheaper option already on the roster in Joey Slye, who also has better range. Dealing Gano to another team rather than cutting him would prevent adding on to the already ridiculous dead cap figure for this year.
Best potential trade partner: The Giants’ kicker Aldrick Rojas just got into some hot water after being arrested for a hit-and-run and he had a previous DUI on his record, so he’s probably on his way out. General manager Dave Gettleman is also familiar with Gano from his time in Carolina, so New York makes sense on several levels. If they can get a sixth or seventh for Gano, it’s worth considering.