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Panthers Seeking Mid-Round Pick For Diontae Johnson; WR Likely To Be Traded?

October 27th, 2024 at 9:33pm CST by Sam Robinson

Diontae Johnson has said he would prefer to stay in Charlotte, but as the Panthers trudge through another down season amid a rebuild, the receiver they acquired to boost Bryce Young‘s development appears likely to be dealt.

As the Rams’ two victories have effectively removed Cooper Kupp off the trade block, the Panthers sit 1-6. They are expected to make trades, and ESPN.com’s Adam Schefter indicates Johnson looks on track to be moved before the November 5 deadline.

Both Davante Adams and Amari Cooper brought third-round picks — Adams a conditional third that could jump to a second (though, that is unlikely) — in trades, while DeAndre Hopkins headed to Kansas City for a conditional fifth. The Panthers appear to be seeking compensation that lands in between these hauls. Carolina is expected to aim for a mid-round pick for Johnson, according to Schefter.

Early this month, Johnson’s name began to circulate in trade rumors. The Panthers, per Schefter, have indeed received multiple inquiries on the shifty receiver. Carolina obtained Johnson in a March trade that sent cornerback Donte Jackson to Pittsburgh. The 2019 third-round pick is in a contract year, and although he has expressed an openness to a Panthers extension, it appears more likely another team will hold his exclusive negotiating rights soon. The Panthers had not started Johnson extension talks coming into the season; it does not look like any traction has emerged on that front — especially as the team benched Young after two games.

Young is back in Carolina’s lineup today, as Andy Dalton sustained a sprained thumb in a car accident this week. But the 2023 No. 1 overall pick’s return may not represent a renewed Panthers commitment from a long-term perspective. With Johnson’s presence not boosting Young in the way the team hoped — as the 5-foot-10 passer struggled mightily in Weeks 1 and 2 — the ex-Ben Roethlisberger target will likely be helping another quarterback soon.

The Steelers have been looking for a receiver, being linked to Adams and Hopkins, but it would surprise if they made a move to reacquire Johnson, who remains tied to the two-year, $36.7MM contract GM Omar Khan authorized in summer 2022. Johnson, 28, showed elite route-running chops in Pittsburgh while displaying a drop propensity. He also has yet to play with a high-end quarterback, as Roethlisberger was in decline by the time the duo linked up and Kenny Pickett quickly showed he would not be the future Hall of Famer’s long-term successor.

The Toledo alum has an 1,161-yard season, along with two other years north of 880, on his resume, as his separation ability consistently drew targets in Pittsburgh. Johnson joins Dalton in being set to miss today’s Panthers-Broncos matchup, being sidelined with a rib injury, but teams do not appear concerned this will impact the WR beyond the deadline. For the season, Johnson has 30 receptions for 357 yards and three touchdowns. Dalton’s 2024 debut doubled as Johnson’s career-high receiving yardage outing (122), and the veteran receiver added two more 75-plus-yard showings for the struggling Panthers since.

With Kupp more than likely off the table, Schefter indicates Johnson is the most likely wideout to be moved before the deadline. If Johnson is traded next week, just less than $4MM would remain on his 2024 base salary.

2024 NFL Cap Space, By Team

October 27th, 2024 at 7:11pm CST by Adam La Rose

With the trade deadline nearing, more player movement can be expected during the coming days. Of course, a key factor in any deals will be the financial situation for contenders aiming to bolster their rosters for the second half of the campaign.

Courtesy of Over the Cap, here is an updated look at each teams’ cap space:

  1. San Francisco 49ers: $54.13MM
  2. Cleveland Browns: $45.16MM
  3. New England Patriots: $36.61MM
  4. Las Vegas Raiders: $34.59MM
  5. Detroit Lions: $27.53MM
  6. Washington Commanders: $23.44MM
  7. Dallas Cowboys: $20.75MM
  8. Arizona Cardinals: $19.44MM
  9. Tennessee Titans: $18.26MM
  10. Jacksonville Jaguars: $17.12MM
  11. Green Bay Packers: $13.96MM
  12. Indianapolis Colts: $11.11MM
  13. Philadelphia Eagles: $10.36MM
  14. Minnesota Vikings: $9.48MM
  15. Cincinnati Bengals: $8.98MM
  16. Pittsburgh Steelers: $8.93MM
  17. Seattle Seahawks: $8.19MM
  18. Atlanta Falcons: $8.16MM
  19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: $7.83MM
  20. Los Angeles Chargers: $7.72MM
  21. Chicago Bears: $6.14MM
  22. Houston Texans: $6.01MM
  23. New York Jets: $5.1MM
  24. Miami Dolphins: $5.02MM
  25. Baltimore Ravens: $4.36MM
  26. Buffalo Bills: $2.37MM
  27. Kansas City Chiefs: $2.35MM
  28. New Orleans Saints: $2.15MM
  29. Los Angeles Rams: $1.91MM
  30. Denver Broncos: $1.77MM
  31. New York Giants: $1.51MM
  32. Carolina Panthers: $1.12MM

Just like last year, the 49ers find themselves with considerable cap space to work with. The team has several reasons to roll over as many funds as possible into the offseason, however, with Brock Purdy eligible for an extension and the likes of Charvarius Ward, Deommodore Lenoir and Talanoa Hufanga on track for free agency. Major investments including a commitment beyond 2024 would thus come as a surprise.

San Francisco is among the teams to watch regarding an addition, and major injuries on both sides of the ball could lead to a stop-gap solution being targeted. The 49ers may also be open to moving away players before the deadline, though, with Ward being named as potential candidate to be dealt. Sitting at 3-4, the team’s bid to return to the Super Bowl has not gone as planned to date, but a notable midseason addition could certainly change things.

Having lost Aidan Hutchinson until at least the Super Bowl, the Lions have an obvious need along the edge. Replacing his production with any one addition will not be feasible, but bringing in at least a rotational option would not come as a surprise. Indeed, Detroit has been involved in the edge market with respect to showing interest in some of the veterans who could be on the move.

That list no longer includes Haason Reddick, but the Lions have also been connected to Za’Darius Smith. The Browns have already moved Amari Cooper, so it would come as little surprise if the team were to deal away the three-time Pro Bowler in a move which would allow him to return to the NFC North. Smith certainly seems to be open to a trade, and Detroit would easily be able to absorb the remainder of his $1.2MM 2024 salary.

While Smith could be on the move, fellow Cleveland edge rusher Myles Garrett is (understandably) seen as untouchable. That is also the case for Raiders start Maxx Crosby, with owner Mark Davis making it clear a trade will not be considered before or after the deadline. Even though the Titans have been active already on the trade front, they too will not entertain a deal involving two-time Pro Bowl defensive lineman Jeffery Simmons. While talks have taken place related to Cooper Kupp, the Rams do not expect to move on from the former Super Bowl MVP.

The receiver position remains one to watch even with Davante Adams (Jets), Cooper (Bills) and DeAndre Hopkins (Chiefs) already joining new teams. As the Panthers consider selling off pending free agents, Diontae Johnson could be available for a mid-round pick. In the case of the Jaguars, Christian Kirk is still a candidate to be dealt (although he is not a pending free agent). Teams like the Steelers and Chargers have yet to add a pass-catcher, but they have shown interest and could pull off a move in the coming days.

Bryce Young Has Opportunity To Show Growth

October 27th, 2024 at 12:46pm CST by Ely Allen

The Panthers are starting Bryce Young at quarterback for the first time since Week 2 of this still young season. While the opportunity comes as a result of an injury to his replacement, Andy Dalton, this is still an important opportunity for the former No. 1 overall pick to show that he’s been making the most of his time on the sideline.

Dalton finds himself doubtful to play this Sunday after spraining his thumb in a car accident this week. The veteran, who will turn 37 in two days, hasn’t entered a season as a team’s starting quarterback since his final year in Cincinnati in 2019. Since then, he’s played extensive backup duty in Dallas, Chicago, New Orleans, and Carolina, starting at least one game each season.

In five starts since taking over as the starter for Young, Dalton has shown both good and bad. In his first start of the year, the Red Rifle delivered a 300-yard, three touchdown performance to earn Carolina’s only win of the season. Since then, Dalton has failed to pass 221 passing yards while throwing four touchdowns to six interceptions.

Young has seen game action twice since getting benched, getting garbage time minutes at the end of blowout losses. The rest of his time has been spent watching, learning, and playing quarterback on the scout team at practices. In a league that has normalized playing first-round quarterbacks immediately as rookies, this should be a valuable opportunity for Young to sit and develop in a way that used to be the norm in the NFL.

This Sunday, Young will be able to show whether or not his time on the bench has been beneficial. Not only that, but Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports that, should Young show significant improvement this weekend, “there is a real chance for him to continue starting.” Since getting benched, Young has reportedly been “engaged and involved,” which is exactly the reaction you want from a young top draft pick. Today’s performance in Denver could lay the ground for the remainder of Young’s sophomore campaign and, perhaps, for the rest of his career.

WR Notes: Kirk, Thielen, Rams, Chiefs, Pats

October 27th, 2024 at 11:07am CST by Sam Robinson

Diontae Johnson is viewed as the most likely receiver domino to fall between now and the November 5 trade deadline, but Christian Kirk continues to be a name to monitor. The Jaguars wideout was mentioned as a player drawing interest earlier this month, and ESPN’s Adam Schefter notes that has continued, naming the seventh-year veteran alongside Johnson in terms of the receivers who have generated the most trade buzz following the Davante Adams, Amari Cooper and DeAndre Hopkins swaps.

Kirk brings an element Johnson does not, as he is signed through 2025. Playing on the four-year, $72MM pact that received scrutiny at the time, the Jags slot receiver now merely sits 25th in receiver AAV. Kirk’s 2022 free agency deal helped ignite the WR market that year, and another boom took place this offseason to render the Jacksonville deal an upper-middle-class pact. Kirk is 27 and attached to a $14.5MM base salary, which will be an issue for teams, as more than $7.5MM will remain for an acquiring team post-Week 8.

Although Kirk’s per-year number has dropped considerably on an exploding market, the Jags do have both Evan Engram and Gabe Davis signed to eight-figure AAVs. They also used a first-round pick on Brian Thomas Jr. this year. Kirk served as Trevor Lawrence‘s most trusted target in 2022 and ’23; as Thomas has shown considerable promise, Kirk has caught 25 passes for 320 yards and a touchdown this season.

Here is the latest from the WR ranks:

  • Add Adam Thielen to the list of Panthers potential trade chips at receiver. While Johnson is likely to go and Jonathan Mingo is viewed as a player who may not be a long-term fit, NFL.com’s Ian Rapoport mentions Thielen as a candidate to be on the move as well. This would add up, as Thielen is 34 and tied to a through-2025 contract that does not have any guarantees remaining for next season. Thielen topped 1,000 yards for a woeful Panthers team last season, residing as Bryce Young‘s clear-cut top target. The ex-Viking’s follow-up effort, however, included an IR stay for a hamstring injury. Carolina has not yet activated the 12th-year veteran from IR. Injuries and age will limit Carolina’s return, but the three-time 1,000-yard pass catcher would only be owed barely $2MM if acquired before the deadline.
  • Tutu Atwell‘s role will diminish with Cooper Kupp and Puka Nacua back. The diminutive Rams receiver indeed saw his snap share on offense plummet from 78% in Week 7 to 12% Thursday night. Atwell has shown flashes for the Rams, but he has not delivered extended stretches of reliability. Los Angeles did not have the former second-round pick among its top three receivers during last season’s stretch run, and ESPN.com’s Sarah Barshop notes he is unlikely to be extended before his contract expires in March. This could make Atwell a trade candidate, though given the Rams’ back-to-back wins and their WR health issues, it would make more sense for the team to hang onto the contract-year player.
  • It could be a while before Skyy Moore returns to the Chiefs. Andy Reid said (via The Athletic’s Nate Taylor) this week the former second-round pick will need to have his core muscle injury “fixed”; the defending Super Bowl champions placed Moore on IR this week. Viewed as a starter to open last season, Moore could not hold up in that role and did not factor into Kansas City’s six-game win streak to close the year. While playing more due to the injuries to Marquise Brown and Rashee Rice early this season, Moore does not have a catch in 2024.
  • The Patriots made Javon Baker a healthy scratch last week, marking the third straight game that has happened for the rookie. Baker appeared to miss or show up late for a team function in London, as ESPN.com’s Mike Reiss mentions an itinerary “hiccup” took place to help lead the fourth-round pick to the sideline once again. Baker could have a path up New England’s depth chart if Kendrick Bourne and/or K.J. Osborn are moved, but he has played in just two games as a rookie. Baker is active for Week 8.

Panthers Place S Nick Scott On IR

October 26th, 2024 at 4:44pm CST by Ely Allen

Injuries continue to mar the Panthers’ 2024 campaign, particularly on defense. The latest hamstringing of the collective unit comes as Carolina places safety Nick Scott on injured reserve for an actual hamstring injury, per team writer Darin Gantt.

Scott had been starting at safety for the Panthers since Week 4 after taking over for an injured Jordan Fuller, whom he now joins on IR. Scott was a big free agent signing for the Bengals defense two offseasons ago after playing his first full season as a starter in the final year of his rookie contract with the Rams. Unfortunately, after 10 starts in Cincinnati to start the year, Scott found himself coming off the bench for the remainder of the season.

This offseason, Scott found another opportunity, signing with a Panthers defense that finished 29th in yards allowed last year despite allowing the third-fewest passing yards and tying for the fourth-fewest passing touchdowns allowed. With Vonn Bell leaving for Cincinnati in the offseason, Scott found himself competing with his former Los Angeles teammate, Fuller, for the starting job. Fuller won the job to open the season, before ceding it to Scott due to injury.

Scott joins seven others on IR, including veteran defenders Fuller, Anthony Brown, Derrick Brown, and Shaq Thompson. Three other players remain on the non-football injury and physically unable to perform lists, as well. This also doesn’t include the 16 other players on Carolina’s injury report not currently on an injured list.

Scott’s placement on IR left two open spots on the active roster. To fill those slots, the Panthers activated safety Sam Franklin from IR and signed practice squad safety Russ Yeast to a 53-man roster contract. Franklin, a special teams captain for Carolina, has yet to make his 2024 debut due to a broken foot that he suffered in training camp. He’ll get that opportunity this weekend. Yeast, yet another former Rams safety, will come up to help fill the role left empty by his former Los Angeles teammates.

Additionally, the Panthers announced that cornerback Caleb Farley and quarterback Jack Plummer will be called up as standard gameday practice squad elevations for this weekend.

Trade Candidate: Miles Sanders

October 24th, 2024 at 9:52pm CST by Adam La Rose

Miles Sanders‘ future in Carolina was a talking point leading up to the campaign, and his situation still makes a departure something to watch closely for. The veteran running back is drawing trade interest as the Panthers contemplate offloading any number of contracts in the near future.

Sanders is among the players who have been mentioned in trade talk, NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reports. Carolina’s backfield already includes Chuba Hubbard, and second-round rookie Jonathon Brooks is close to being activated. The presence of those two threatens to make Sanders expendable. Indeed, Jordan Schultz of Fox Sports as well as ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler note the 27-year-old is believed to be on the trade block.

[RELATED: Panthers Not Planning To Trade Chuba Hubbard]

That comes as no surprise given the extent to which Sanders’ Panthers tenure has been a disappointment. The former Eagle had a career year in 2022, reaching a new personal watermark in yards (1,269) and touchdowns (11) en route to a Pro Bowl nod. Such production made him an attractive option on the open market, and he landed a four-year, $25.4MM pact with Carolina. That marked the largest running back investment of the 2022 offseason and led to high expectations for a strong showing in an undisputed lead back role.

However, Sanders averaged only 3.3 yards per carry in his debut Panthers campaign. He was overtaken by Hubbard on the depth chart, which led to speculation a change of scenery could be in store. It became clear right after the draft, however, that Carolina general manager Dan Morgan and head coach Dave Canales – neither of whom held those titles when Sanders was signed – intended to keep Sanders in place. The former third-rounder briefly faced the prospect of further backfield competition when Rashaad Penny was brought in, but the oft-injured veteran ultimately retired.

In spite of that development, along with Brooks starting the year on the NFI list, Sanders has logged only a 34% snap share in 2024. The Penn State product has turned 33 carries into 132 yards and one touchdown while adding 65 scoreless yards in the passing game. He is therefore on track for the least-productive season of his six-year career, something which will of course hinder his market value in the eyes of prospective suitors. On the other hand, Carolina has boasted one of the league’s worst offensive lines during Sanders’ time with the team, and an upgraded situation up front could spark a late-season rebound.

An acquiring team would be responsible for the remainder of Sanders’ $4.02MM base salary for this year, something which should be manageable for at least most teams eyeing backfield depth. He is due a $1MM roster bonus on the third day of the 2025 and ’26 league years, but none of his scheduled base salaries for those campaigns are guaranteed. As such, Sanders can be considered a rental or a player whose long-term outlook will depend on a restructure being worked out with his next team aimed at lowering his future cap hits ($8.18MM, then $6.98MM).

The running back position has stagnated in value compared to a number of other positions in recent years, although several veterans changed teams this spring on the open market. Sanders could soon be on the move via trade, and in that event he would have the opportunity to start over with a new team (although he would likely be intended as simply a rotational contributor, rather than a starter, on a contender). If not, the 1-6 Panthers will have a surplus at the running back spot once Brooks is activated.

Panthers Not Expected To Move Chuba Hubbard; Latest On Team’s Trade Plans

October 24th, 2024 at 8:59pm CST by Sam Robinson

While little has gone right for this season’s Panthers, they have seen their starting running back deliver. Chuba Hubbard is on pace for his first 1,000-yard season, and the effort is set to finish in Charlotte.

As the Panthers prepare for Jonathon Brooks‘ debut, that is not expected to influence their plans with Hubbard. Carolina is not expected to trade the contract-year running back, ESPN.com’s David Newton notes. Hubbard ranks fifth in the NFL in rushing yardage (537), averaging 5.2 per tote. He has impressed since taking over for Miles Sanders last season. Sanders is indeed a trade candidate.

This offseason brought some notable running back paydays, bringing optimism compared to a bleak 2023 at the position. Hubbard, 25, would stand to benefit after showing good form on bad teams. The Panthers made changes along their offensive line, paying up for guards Robert Hunt and Damien Lewis, and Hubbard has benefited. Hubbard did gain 902 yards last season, when he started 12 games despite Sanders fetching the top RB contract on the 2023 market, but averaged 3.8 per carry. Next Gen Stats did slot Hubbard in the top 20 in terms of rushing yards over expected, however.

The Panthers prioritized upgrades in the run game this offseason, showing it by trading up to No. 46 for Brooks. The Texas product, this year’s first RB drafted, needing an extended runway to return after a November 2023 ACL tear worked to Hubbard’s advantage. Among first-time free agents, Hubbard will join Najee Harris, Javonte Williams and Khalil Herbert on next year’s market. Veterans will be available as well, but the Oklahoma State alum should still generate interest.

As Hubbard is set to work in tandem with Brooks soon, the Panthers are likely ready to part with some veterans. In addition to Sanders, the Panthers are likely open to moving Jonathan Mingo, ESPN.com’s Jeremy Fowler adds. The 2023 second-round pick has not justified his draft slot, and a new Panthers regime (though, Dan Morgan was assistant GM when Mingo was drafted) added Diontae Johnson and Xavier Legette this offseason.

Despite making five starts and Andy Dalton boosting the passing game after Bryce Young‘s benching, Mingo has just 12 receptions for 121 yards. The Panthers have seen Johnson generate interest, but the ex-Steeler said (via Newton) he does not want to be dealt.

Dave Canales also said he does not envision a Johnson trade commencing, though a good offer for the shifty route runner could obviously change the organization’s plans. Morgan and Co. will need to weigh offers against what level of compensatory pick Johnson could generate. A comp pick would not arrive until 2026, and the Panthers could look to re-sign Johnson before he hits free agency. Extension talks are not believed to have started, however.

Teams asked about Young following his September benching, but the Panthers shot down those inquiries. Still, rumblings in the wake of the benching pointed to the team being ready to move on from the No. 1 overall pick in 2025. If Young is not in Carolina’s post-2024 plans, and ESPN.com’s Jeremy Fowler notes he still does not appear to be, the team could look to explore a move now.

Dalton’s thumb sprain sustained in a car accident — which is set to throw Young back into the lineup — could throw a wrench into such plans, but given where the Panthers are in their rebuild, short-term matters would not stand to interfere with bigger-picture goals. Still, it would represent a historically quick ending for a No. 1 pick if Carolina were to move Young before the Nov. 5 deadline.

NFL Practice Squad Updates: 10/23/24

October 23rd, 2024 at 7:41pm CST by Ben Levine

Today’s practice squad moves:

Arizona Cardinals

Carolina Panthers

Indianapolis Colts

Los Angeles Chargers

Miami Dolphins

New England Patriots

Philadelphia Eagles

San Francisco 49ers

Seattle Seahawks

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

While the Dolphins should soon have Tua Tagovailoa back on the field, the team has still added another QB to the mix. The team added veteran C.J. Beathard to the taxi squad today. The quarterback has bounced around the NFL since 2017, including a few stops in San Francisco when current Dolphins HC Mike McDaniel served as the 49ers run game coordinator. The 30-year-old got a start for the Jaguars last season, completing 17 of his 24 pass attempts for 178 yards. The newest addition will join a QB room that also includes Tyler Huntley, Skylar Thompson, and Tim Boyle.

Panthers To Start Bryce Young In Week 8

October 23rd, 2024 at 2:07pm CST by Sam Robinson

Andy Dalton was involved in a car accident Tuesday. While the Carolina starter did not need to be hospitalized, Dave Canales confirmed the veteran passer sustained a thumb sprain. Dalton is not expected to play against the Broncos in Week 8.

This will push Bryce Young back into action; Canales said the former No. 1 overall pick will be at the controls in Denver. Canales hopes Dalton can return as the backup, potentially pointing to a Young path back to the full-time QB1 role even when the more experienced passer is healthy. Regardless of how this will shake out, Young is coming back after five games on the bench.

Traveling with his wife, three kids and their dog, Dalton suffered the thumb injury in the accident — which occurred a few minutes away from Bank of America Stadium, David Newton of ESPN.com notes. Neither Dalton nor his family needed to be hospitalized as a result of the wreck, but the sprain involving the QB’s throwing thumb poses a problem for his availability. Dalton did not practice Wednesday.

Rumors suggesting the Panthers were done with Young circulated following his Week 3 benching. The 5-foot-10 QB struggled mightily to start his second season, marking no notable improvement from a rough rookie year. Canales had initially said Young would be back to start in Week 3, but upon closer inspection (and conversations with ownership), the new Carolina HC benched the player the franchise mortgaged its future for in 2023. Young has seen action since, and as the losses pile up (following a Dalton-led win over the Raiders), it makes sense for the 1-6 team to give the unproven player more time.

At least four teams contacted the Panthers about Young, but the team is not interested in trading the former Heisman winner. That said, rumblings about a separation in 2025 emerged soon after the benching, as Young was “pissed” about being pulled 18 starts into his career. The Panthers’ party line pointed to Young receiving another chance in 2024, labeling the benching a reset. But a report that came out soon after Canales’ call did not depict the demotion that way, with Dalton being viewed as the starter unless an injury intervened.

Dalton’s minor injury does give the Panthers another chance to look at Young. Carolina’s offense has fared better under Dalton, as Young’s most recent start featured 84 passing yards on 26 attempts. He went 13 of 30 in Week 1. While Deshaun Watson‘s QBR (23.5) ranks last among qualified options, Young holds a 10.4 number. Young’s 34.1 mark ranked ahead of only Zach Wilson in 2023, leading the Panthers — who made some shaky decisions in terms of weaponry around their new QB last year — to add several pieces this offseason. Dalton ranks 17th in QBR this season.

Despite Diontae Johnson and Xavier Legette joining Adam Thielen at receiver and Robert Hunt and Damien Lewis coming in as high-priced guards, Young struggled to the point veterans complained about the state of the offense. That produced a strikingly quick hook, but Young’s second chance will begin soon. Denver’s defense has powered its operation this season, representing a tough spot for Young. Vance Joseph‘s unit ranks third in points and yards allowed.

Panthers Designate Adam Thielen, Jordan Fuller To Return From IR; D.J. Wonnum In PUP-Return Window

October 23rd, 2024 at 11:10am CST by Sam Robinson

As the Panthers head toward another deadline as a likely seller, they will have some of their veteran pieces on the way back to action. Two Carolina cogs are in the IR-return window, while D.J. Wonnum is practicing after an extensive stay on the PUP list.

Wonnum, who suffered a quad tear late last season, is practicing for the first time in 2024. The Panthers have started the edge rusher’s 21-day activation clock. Ditto Adam Thielen and Jordan Fuller, who are back at practice after IR stays. While Thielen and Fuller are not yet on the active roster, it appears they will be again soon.

The Panthers have delivered another poor start, with the Dave Canales-Dan Morgan era already including a benching of Bryce Young. But the team figures to have some reinforcements soon. For Thielen, a return could be notable should the Panthers decide to go into fire-sale mode. Diontae Johnson has come up in trade rumors; at 34, Thielen would make sense as a trade candidate as well, especially with a hot receiver trade market.

Fuller is playing on a one-year deal in Carolina, but he did not stand out in the Panthers defense before his injury, so he’s unlikely to garner major trade interest. Instead, he’ll slot back into the starting lineup where Nick Scott has started the last four games in Fuller’s absence.

Wonnum can practice for up to three weeks before he has to be added to the active roster or reverts to season-ending injured reserve. He won’t be on the trade block since teams cannot evaluate his play this year, but his return may allow the Panthers to consider trading Jadeveon Clowney to a contender in need of pass rush help.

Nikhil Mehta contributed to this post.

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