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With football’s worst record (0-6) and the need to stockpile more draft picks, the Carolina Panthers figure to be a busy seller ahead of Tuesday’s NFL trade deadline.
Star pass-rusher Brian Burns is far and away Carolina’s best trade asset, but he’s not the only player who could fetch a nice return for GM Scott Fitterer. The Panthers should also be willing to deal star wideout Adam Thielen, who’s enjoying a phenomenal bounce-back year in his first season with the club.
Carolina signed Thielen to a three-year deal in free agency following his release from the Minnesota Vikings. The 33-year-old has 49 receptions for 509 yards and four touchdowns — putting him on pace for his best season since 2018.
The Cleveland Browns have surprised with a 4-2 record despite losing Nick Chubb for the season with a knee injury back in Week 2, and despite inconsistent play at quarterback (Deshaun Watson hasn’t played a full game since Week 3).
Cleveland could especially use a capable WR2 like Thielen, who would form a dynamic duo alongside fellow veteran star Amari Cooper.
The Browns should offer Carolina wide receiver Elijah Moore plus their 2024 third-round draft choice. Carolina still needs receivers for Bryce Young, and the ex-New York Jet in Moore might enjoy a fresh start amid a frustrating year in Cleveland (25 catches for 226 yards).
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Thielen is signed for two more years after this, so the Browns can give up Moore and a third-round pick knowing that they’re set at receiver for the next two years. For Carolina, a former second-round pick in Moore plus an early-round selection is a nice return for an ageing asset who probably won’t repeat his success next year anyway.
