When new Carolina GM Scott Fitterer said the team would be active in the trade market during his introductory press conference, he meant it. According to Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer, the Panthers were willing to part ways with the 8th pick in the upcoming NFL Draft to bring former Lions’ quarterback Matthew Stafford to the Queen City.
“Both Washington and Carolina had offered their first-round picks and then some. The Panthers’ first-rounder is eighth (that wound up being the highest pick offered) and their proposal came with a later pick. Washington packaged a third-round pick with the 19th pick.”
Stafford was ultimately dealt to the Rams in exchange for two first round picks, a third round pick and quarterback Jared Goff.
But what does the Panthers’ aggressive offer say about their plans this offseason? It’s on a poppin. Expect Fitterer and company to go all-in to get a franchise quarterback in Carolina. That means offering multiple first-round picks (including this year’s 8th) in exchange for DeShaun Watson, or trading up in this year’s draft to ensure they get Justin Fields, Trey Lance or even Zach Wilson.