The Panthers and the Saints have shown interest in many of the same players this last year and a half since Joe Brady was hired as offensive coordinator. Brady previously served as an assistant for Sean Payton and runs a similar scheme, so it’s natural that their interests collide – and they certainly have.
Last year there was the whole Tommy Stevens saga. Additionally, the Panthers have brought in a number of former Saints players like Tommylee Lewis, Keith Kirkwood and Teddy Bridgewater. A couple months ago the Saints poached long-time Panthers fullback Alex Armah, signing him to a one-year deal.
The intrigue continued in the 2021 NFL draft, where apparently both teams had their eye on LSU wide receiver Terrace Marshall. According to Darin Gantt at the team website, the Panthers were tipped off via phone call that New Orleans was targetting Marshall with the No. 60 overall pick. The Panthers changed course and decided to snag Marshall one spot earlier.
“(BYU left tackle Brady Christensen) was probably going to be the guy at 59, and there was a deal cooking that could have moved them back on the clock within a few spots to take LSU wide receiver Terrace Marshall Jr.. Marshall was quickly becoming one of those guys whose name was beginning to stick out on the board, with not much space above him, but a lot of space below at his position. He was becoming a value guy. Then someone got a call that the Saints were about to take Marshall 60th overall, and the Panthers shifted gears, taking Marshall in the 59th spot instead.”
That’s a nice victory for the Panthers over the Saints, who have won four straight and eight of the last nine meetings between these teams.
As for Marshall, we’re projecting he will be the WR3 on the roster behind D.J. Moore and Robby Anderson. During his college career, Marshall lined up both outside and in the slot. Tight end Dan Arnold should offer competition, but it’s not hard to imagine Marshall becoming Sam Darnold’s go-to option in the red zone once he’s up to speed.
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