The bottom may not even exist for the Carolina Panthers more. But wherever they are now, it’s very unlikely they’ll make it.
The team improved to 1-6 last Sunday after suffering a 40-7 loss to a Marcus Mariota-led Washington Commanders squad. Their offense is back in the funk and appears to be regressing under veteran quarterback Andy Dalton, while their defense has allowed a ridiculous 34.7 points per game, nearly seven more than the next closest unit .
So, uh, it’s safe to say the playoffs are a long way off, right?
Now, perhaps it’s time to launch a fire sale, a move that could help boost the future a bit. And if they do, the moves could start with receivers Diontae Johnson and Adam Thielen.
President of Football Operations and General Manager Dan Morgan traded for Johnson during the offseason to give the offense (namely second-year quarterback Bryce Young) a legitimate No. 1 option through the air. Although he has put in some quality production so far, there have been a few disappointing moments from the 28-year-old.
According to Pro Football Reference, Johnson is on track for 73 catches, 867 yards and seven touchdowns, a less-than-stellar line for a former Pro Bowler who was supposed to be the center of the passing attack. He also didn’t play his best on Sunday, giving up a route that led to an interception and providing an uninspiring account of the outing in his locker afterward.
Carolina has three options for Johnson, who is in the final year of his contract. They can trade him, keep him for the rest of the season and enter him in free agency or sign him to an extension.
This, of course, is probably something Morgan and executive vice president of football operations Brandt Tilis are likely discussing. They must decide whether or not Johnson is part of their plans for 2025 and beyond.
As for Thielen, the veteran point guard isn’t getting any younger and has already been the subject of trade rumors as he continues to recover from a hamstring injury.
The 34-year-old is still a quality route runner with good hands, but he’s probably a No. 3 or No. 4 option in a good NFL offense right now. Leaving Thielen, who may want to use his final seasons as a contender, could be beneficial for both parties, provided his recovery doesn’t complicate his value.
The chances of Johnson and Thielen being moved have increased since last week, and it wouldn’t be surprising if both were moved before the November 5 deadline. Until then, their two best receivers will remain in the rumor mill.
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This article was originally published on Panthers Wire: Should the Panthers trade WRs Diontae Johnson and Adam Thielen?
