Ethan Miller/Getty Images
The Carolina Panthers reportedly attempted to shake things up before the NFL trade deadline.
According to ESPN’s David Newton, the Panthers “went after” Raiders’ elite wide receiver Davante Adams and Bengals’ standout Tee Higgins.
Newton reported: “They went after the Bengals’ Higgins and elite receiver Davante Adams of the Las Vegas Raiders before the trade deadline, according to an NFL front office source with knowledge of discussions, but neither team was willing to deal.”
The Panthers are currently 1-8 after losing to the Bears 16-13 on Thursday Night Football. The Bears also hold their 1st round pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, after trading it as part of the Bryce Young deal in April.
With a desperate wide receiver situation, it’s likely the Panthers are gearing up for an aggressive pursuit of talent in the offseason.
Behind the poor wideout group and bad offensive line, 1st overall pick rookie quarterback Bryce Young has struggled. He has been statistically the worst QB in football.
#Panthers QB Bryce Young has been statistically the worst QB in football, via ESPN.
Should the Panthers temporarily bench Young for his own good? he's clearly not ready. Maybe sitting and learning from watching for a few games will do him good.https://t.co/u2Zdiftp53 pic.twitter.com/MPQ9HapUJS
— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) November 10, 2023
The Panthers reportedly targeted defensive help as well. Newton revealed that the team made a play for Commanders’ edge rusher Montez Sweat, before the Bears swooped in and secured Sweat in exchange for a 2024 second-round pick.
The defensive end then inked a lucrative 4-year, $98 million contract with $72.9 million guaranteed.
The Panthers were clearly trying to make moves, maybe simply in attempt to impress owner David Tepper, but nothing will save their 2023 season.