The trade deadline is fast approaching, and teams are aleady making aggressive deals to upgrade their rosters. The Seattle Seahawks and San Francisco 49ers have scored big additions just in the last 24 hours—adding guard Quenton Nelson and defensive lineman DeForest Bucker from the Indianapolis Colts, respectively.
If the Carolina Panthers are going to make a move, it should be one that'll address a clear weakness—either along their offensive line, defensive line or at cornerback.
On that note, ESPN's Mike Kaye thinks Las Vegas Raiders interior lineman Jackson Powers-Johnson could make for a good fit in Carolina's trenches . . .
Jackson Powers-Johnson is a guy on this list from @JFowlerESPN, whom *** I think *** would make sense for the #Panthers.
On a rookie deal, G/C versatility, signed through 2028. Probably needs a change of scenery. https://t.co/gO4FWig1Co
— Mike Kaye (@mike_e_kaye) October 28, 2026
ESPN senior NFL reporter Jeremy Fowler noted today that the Raiders may let him go for a Day 3 pick—which would definitely be worth considering for the Panthers front office. However, the question is where to fit Powers-Johnson, given the crowded picture at the interior positions.
The former second-round selection has played all 610 of his offensive snaps from the past two seasons at right guard, where Robert Hunt lines up. And although Hunt is struggling here in 2026, it's difficult to consider Powers-Johnson as an upgrade there.
He could, though, make for an interesting option at center—where he recorded 421 snaps as a rookie in 2024. Starter Luke Fortner has not been reliable and 2026 fifth-round pick Sam Hecht was a healthy scratch for the first time this past Sunday.
If the Panthers don't see Powers-Johnson as a starter, he could still come in as a versatile depth piece with a bit of upside.
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This article originally appeared on Panthers Wire: Panthers reporter thinks former 2nd-round pick would make sense as trade fit
