The Carolina Panthers are obviously looking to win their second consecutive division title. But, at 3-5 and currently on a three-game losing streak, should the defending NFC South champions continue to defend that title by bringing in some outside help?
Former quarterback, current team broadcast analyst and franchise great Jake Delhomme believes the Panthers should stand pat at Tuesday's trade deadline. He believes, despite their hopes of a postseason push, that there isn't much they can do.
"I don't know trade deadline wise because cap space we're pretty tied up against it," Delhomme said in a one-on-one interview. "I think you could maneuver some money. I think anybody can maneuver money in the NFL with some of these contracts, but that's going
to be interesting to see.
"Dan Morgan does like his picks, our general manager, so I don't know. That's something that we're going to entertain much, but you don't know. The NFL is very different now. We're starting to see way more trades than ever, and I think it's kind of fun."
The offensive line has been a major issue, struggling to protect franchise quarterback Bryce Young. Their defense has also suffered off the injuries to cornerbacks Jaycee Horn and Mike Jackson, having to piece together starting secondaries headlined by rookies and practice-squad players. But their limited amount of salary cap room could prevent them from making a deal.
With that being said, the Panthers had one of the hottest offensive units over the early portion of the season, ranking within the top five and with Young being mentioned as a dark horse MVP candidate. They also return most of their core from last season, when they won the division.
That leads Delhomme to believe the Panthers will have to dig deep instead of trying to swap.
"I'm not privy to any information, I could maybe see a standing pad unless there's really a true seller," he stated. "There's a team that they're just in complete sell mode, and we can maybe get a player, and that would fit in contractually with our cap situation, maybe a team eats some of the the cap, but I'm not so sure.
"I saw Jeffery Simmons to the Bears last week, right? And it kind of sounds like it was done at the last minute. There was some possible talks, but then the Bears came in with a strong offer. So you never say never.
"Injury situation, we have two really good corners in Mike Jackson and and Jaycee Horn. Where are they at in coming back? How close are they to to coming back to play for us? And so you just don't know what player might be available that could maybe help us."
Carolina will still enter Week 10 atop the division, with a showdown versus the New Orleans for first place coming up.
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This article originally appeared on Panthers Wire: Franchise great predicts what Panthers will do at trade deadline
