The Carolina Panthers hold the first overall pick in the 2023 NFL draft. They previously held the ninth overall pick but traded up to the first pick, presumably to select a quarterback.
They didn’t try to go straight to the first overall pick.
They wanted to trade up and had talks with other teams, including the Arizona Cardinals.
According to a report from The Athletic, Panthers general manager Scotr Fitterer did have talks with the Cardinals about trading up to No. 3 overall.
He had discussions with Arizona and Seattle about the No. 3 and No. 5 picks, respectively. Fitterer spent two decades in the Seahawks’ front office and remains close with GM John Schneider, but the talks for the fifth pick never intensified.
That is interesting news.
Trading up to No. 3 would not guarantee them the quarterback they want. It would only guarantee they could land one of the top three quarterbacks.
Ultimately, they did move up to No. 1 and the Cardinals remain at No. 3. They are rumored to be actively willing to trade back, seeking multiple picks and future picks, too.
They still could find a trade partner. The Las Vegas Raiders were a team who tried to trade up to the first pick but were outbid. Could they jump up to No. 3?
It will be something to watch as the draft approaches at the end of the month.
Listen to the latest from Cards Wire’s Jess Root on his podcast, Rise Up, See Red. Subscribe on Apple podcasts or Spotify.
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