Carolina Panthers at NFL trade deadline: Cap space, draft picks, trade candidates, more
The Carolina Panthers might not be done with their wheeling and dealing this season.
After trading wideout Diontae Johnson to the Baltimore Ravens last week, Panthers general manager Dan Morgan still has time to make another swap or two before the NFL closes the trade market until March 2025. The annual NFL trade deadline is set for 4 p.m. Tuesday.
The Panthers, at 2-7, are more likely to continue to sell talent, if anything, heading into the deadline. Carolina is clearly rebuilding and could use additional future assets as the front office looks to build the team in head coach Dave Canales’ image.
Here is what you need to know heading into the deadline:
Panthers’ 2024 salary cap space
The Panthers have $1.64 million in projected cap space as of Sunday, according to Over The Cap. The Panthers are currently projected to have $41.5 million in cap space heading into next offseason.
Panthers’ 2025 draft picks
The Panthers own nine 2025 draft picks heading into the 2024 trade deadline:
▪ First round: Original pick
▪ Second round: Rams’ pick
▪ Third round: Original pick
▪ Fourth round: Original pick
▪ Fifth round (3): Original pick, Giants’ pick, Ravens’ pick
▪ Sixth round (0): N/A
▪ Seventh round (2): Original or Cardinals’ pick (conditional swap), Chiefs’ pick
Panthers’ 2026 draft picks
The Panthers currently own seven 2026 draft picks heading into the 2024 trade deadline:
▪ First round: Original pick
▪ Second round: Original pick
▪ Third round: Original pick
▪ Fourth round: Original pick
▪ Fifth round: Original pick
▪ Sixth round: Original pick
▪ Seventh round: Original pick
Potential trade assets
▪ WR Adam Thielen: The veteran wideout has been sidelined since Week 4 with a hamstring injury. While he is 34 and coming off an injury, Thielen could be a draw for a playoff contender as a contributor in the slot. Thielen is coming off a 100-catch, 1,000-yard season in 2023.
▪ WR Jonathan Mingo: The 2023 second-round pick has struggled to find a consistent role in Carolina. While he’s only 23, Mingo might need a change of scenery to thrive in the NFL. He has just one catch for 1 yard in the past four games, despite Thielen being sidelined.
▪ RB Miles Sanders: The veteran running back has been buried on the depth chart behind Chuba Hubbard all season. While he has shown his ability in the passing game, the Panthers don’t seem all that eager to have him run the ball. He could use a change of scenery more than anyone else on the roster. With Jonathon Brooks set to potentially return this week, the Panthers might not have many touches to go around in Week 10 and beyond.
▪ OLB Jadeveon Clowney: The Rock Hill, South Carolina, native is having a rather quiet season. Clowney has appeal as a pass rusher and run defender on a playoff-contending team. Perhaps a team views him as a missing piece for a big playoff run.
▪ DB Xavier Woods: The veteran safety is in a contract year. While he hasn’t been all that consistent this season, teams typically look for secondary help at the trade deadline before a march to the playoffs. Woods could be an asset for the Panthers, especially if they’re willing to pay part of his salary in a swap with a contender.
Despite seemingly having notable value, Hubbard and CB Jaycee Horn are expected to be part of the team’s future plans. Both Morgan and Canales have discussed the desire to have Horn and Hubbard as long-term pieces of their team foundation.
Dan Morgan’s player trade history
▪ Traded OLB Brian Burns to New York Giants (March)
▪ Traded CB Donte Jackson to Pittsburgh Steelers for WR Diontae Johnson (March)
▪ Traded ILB Michael Barrett to Seattle Seahawks for CB Mike Jackson (August)
▪ Traded Diontae Johnson to the Baltimore Ravens (October)
