Carolina Panthers News & Rumors

Trade Rumors: Smith, Broncos, Johnson

Za’Darius Smith continues to come up in trade rumors, despite the Browns snapping their losing skid in Week 8. While Cleveland is not prepared to deal Myles Garrett due to the reigning Defensive Player of the Year remaining a cornerstone presence, Smith looms as a player likely to be dealt as the team regroups midway through Deshaun Watson‘s catastrophic contract. The Browns are still hearing from teams, according to ESPN.com’s Jeremy Fowler and Dan Graziano, with the former indicating a reasonable Day 3 pick would likely complete a trade. The Lions figure to be a team in on Smith, who addressed a potential Detroit deal recently, while the Ravens — who nearly re-signed Smith in 2022 — are believed to be eyeing defensive help.

In 2023, Smith moved from Minneapolis to Cleveland in a pick-swap trade that featured two fifth-rounders going to the Vikings along with sixth- and seventh-rounders being sent to the Browns. The veteran pass rusher is now 32 and tied to a two-year, $23MM deal that features both a veteran-minimum 2024 base salary — thanks to the Browns’ penchant for void years lowering cap hits — and a $2MM roster bonus due in 2025. The Browns would take on a hefty dead money bill if/when they move Smith, with $14MM-plus set to hit their 2025 books as a result of a deal. That would be an interesting development for a team that has Watson tied to a $72.9MM 2025 cap number.

Here is the latest from the trade market:

  • While the Browns will not need to cover any of Smith’s salary to move him, the Bears certainly will if they want to trade benched guard Nate Davis. Chicago is interested in dealing Davis, who has disappointed on his three-year, $30MM contract. Davis is due just more than $5MM in remaining 2024 salary, and Fowler notes the Bears are prepared to pay some of that tab to extract an asset from an O-line-needy team. Davis, 28, may see his path back to the Bears’ lineup further impeded by Ryan Bates‘ re-emergence; the 2024 trade pickup is in the IR-return window. Davis has not played since Week 5, and the four-year Titans starter has not started since Week 2.
  • John Lynch confirmed during a KNBR appearance (h/t Cam Inman of the San Jose Mercury News) the 49ers were not in on Diontae Johnson. The eighth-year GM has said the 49ers are confident in their receiving group even with Brandon Aiyuk out for the season. San Francisco defeated Dallas without Jauan Jennings but expects to have the WR3 back after their Week 9 bye. As for the Panthers‘ effort to move Johnson, 1340 AM’s Sheena Quick notes two teams were negotiating with the NFC South team prior to the Ravens‘ entrance into the derby. Baltimore came in last, per Quick, but is believed to have made the best offer. The Ravens checked in with a pick-swap proposal involving fifth- and sixth-rounders, and the Panthers are also paying part of Johnson’s salary in what became a wildly underwhelming return for Carolina. The Panthers had initially targeted a mid-round pick for the contract-year wideout.
  • Teams are wondering if the Broncos will still consider selling despite their best eight-game start (5-3) since 2016. In addition to Zach Wilson, previously believed to be available, Fowler adds teams view outside linebacker Baron Browning and cornerback Damarri Mathis as potentially available pieces. A starter to open the season, Browning just returned from IR. Teams looking at the contract-year edge defender points to a potential belief the Broncos will view fellow 2021 draftee Jonathon Cooper as the more likely extension candidate. Browning has played as a backup to Nik Bonitto upon returning, though a trade would strip an option away from a strong Denver defense. A starter to open last season, Mathis has been buried on Denver’s depth chart — one including Riley Moss as Patrick Surtain‘s boundary CB complement — since being activated from IR. Mathis generated summer trade buzz as well.

NFL Practice Squad Updates: 10/30/24

Today’s practice squad moves:

Arizona Cardinals

Atlanta Falcons

Carolina Panthers

Jacksonville Jaguars

Los Angeles Chargers

  • Signed: CB Kendall Williamson

Miami Dolphins

  • Signed: DE Shakel Brown

New Orleans Saints

New York Giants

  • Signed: OT Garret Greenfield

New York Jets

Philadelphia Eagles

  • Signed: OL Braeden Daniels

Pittsburgh Steelers

Seattle Seahawks

Ravens Acquire WR Diontae Johnson From Panthers

Diontae Johnson is indeed on the move. The veteran wideout is being dealt from the Panthers to the Ravens, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports.

Schefter adds the teams will swap fifth-and sixth-round picks as part of the deal, one which will allow Johnson to return to the AFC North. Both selections are in this year’s draft, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network clarifies. As for the financial side of the deal, Jeff Zrebiec of The Athletic reports Carolina is retaining a portion of Johnson’s remaining salary.

As a result, the Ravens will only owe him roughly $625K for the rest of the season. Johnson is the latest rental receiver to be dealt, and it comes as little surprise he will be changing teams for the second time in 2024. The 28-year-old has been widely expected to be dealt, with multiple suitors believed to be in play (although the particulars of the deal point to a rather tepid market existing). As Jordan Schultz of Fox Sports notes, Johnson became “discouraged” by his situation; he will now depart a 1-7 franchise for one with a 5-3 record and aspirations of another playoff run.

Underscoring the compensation situation further, CBS Sports’ Jonathan Jones adds teams were initially discussing a Day 2 pick in a potential Johnson trade (video link). That price fell considerably, with suitors becoming increasingly aware a parting of ways with Carolina — stemming from what Jones terms as “communication issues” — would be imminent. The Panthers have moved quickly in taking an underwhelming offer.

Receiver has been floated as potential target in Baltimore’s case in 2024 (and many other years, of course), but recent first-rounders Zay Flowers and Rashod Bateman have had a productive start to the season. Contributions from tight ends Mark Andrews, Isaiah Likely and Charlie Kolar have led to Baltimore boasting the league’s No. 1 passing attack. Free agent signing Derrick Henry has been as advertised in the backfield, forming a strong tandem with Lamar Jackson in terms of production on the ground (200 yards per game, which leads the league).

For that reason, it comes as something of a surprise Baltimore general manager Eric DeCosta targeted offense in terms of a midseason acquisition. Scoring has generally not been an issue for the Ravens, but their defense has been a sore spot on more than one occasion. The team sits 26th in points allowed per game (26.1), owing in large part to the NFL’s worst pass defense. Bringing in help along the edge or in the secondary thus represented a logical course of action, but unless something further is done Baltimore’s incumbent options will be counted on to improve.

In place as GM since 2019, DeCosta has not been shy on the trade front during his tenure. He previously added Marcus Peters, Yannick Ngakoue and Roquan Smith via trade during the middle of the 2019, ’20 and ’22 seasons. Johnson becomes the latest name on that list, and he will aim to provide a notable contribution on offense while boosting his free agent stock in the process.

The former third-rounder had a productive five-year run in Pittsburgh, and he inked a two-year extension in 2022. In the lead-in to the final year of that pact, though, he asked to be dealt and the Steelers accommodated him. Carolina also took part in a pick swap in that deal, sending cornerback Donte Jackson back as well. The team’s investment has not proven to be particularly worthwhile given their struggles on offense and the decision to part ways after only eight weeks.

Johnson recorded at least 78 yards three times during his Carolina tenure, with his best showings coming during the time when Andy Dalton was in at quarterback. Bryce Young‘s development – on the field or otherwise – remains a key goal for Carolina during the second half of the campaign. That process could come about after other veterans are shipped out, but in any case Johnson’s performance on his new team will be a key storyline to follow.

NFL Practice Squad Updates: 10/29/24

Here are the most recent practice squad transactions from around the NFL:

Arizona Cardinals

Carolina Panthers

Chicago Bears

Indianapolis Colts

Los Angeles Chargers

Miami Dolphins

Minnesota Vikings

New England Patriots

New Orleans Saints

New York Giants

Philadelphia Eagles

Pittsburgh Steelers

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Tennessee Titans

Washington Commanders

The Vikings cut Gaskin from their active roster on Tuesday, but as a vested veteran, he did not need to pass through waivers before re-signing to Minnesota’s practice squad. Gaskin played in the Vikings’ first five games this season, but has not appeared since October 6. His familiarity with the offense could lead to activations from the practice squad if Minnesota needs running back depth.

Herndon will join the Saints after playing in Jacksonville for six seasons, with 83 total appearances and 34 starts for the Jaguars since 2018. The veteran cornerback only started five games over the last two years, but played in 15 games for almost 900 snaps as a rotational member of the Jaguars’ secondary. His experience could lead to quick elevations from the practice squad once he learns the Saints’ defense.

The Commander signed the 30-year-old Hart to give them more depth at offensive tackle. The veteran has 67 starts and 98 total appearances over his eight-year career, though he hasn’t played in the NFL since a 2022 stint with the Bills.

Minor NFL Transactions: 10/29/24

Here are the latest transactions from around the NFL:

Buffalo Bills

Carolina Panthers

Chicago Bears

Cleveland Browns

Detroit Lions

Houston Texans

Minnesota Vikings

New England Patriots

Pittsburgh Steelers

Tennessee Titans

Murray suffered a torn pectoral in the Bears’ loss to the Commanders on Sunday, thinning out Chicago’s offensive line depth. He played 37 snaps at left guard in Week 5 in relief of an injured Tevin Jenkins, who left Sunday’s game with another injury. After full participation in practice last week, Larry Borom should be ready to be activated from injured reserve to reinforce the Bears’ offensive line before Week 9.

The Texans officially played Diggs on injured reserve after tests confirmed a season-ending ACL tear, a non-contact injury that occurred in Houston’s Week 8 victory over the Colts. With Nico Collins already on IR, C.J. Stroud will turn to Tank Dell and Dalton Schultz to keep the offense afloat until Collins returns. Diggs’ injury could heavily affect his market in free agency after requiring the Texans to remove the final three years of his contact to facilitate his trade from the Bills.

Sutton is eligible to play for the first time this year after serving an eight-game suspension for violation of the NFL’s personal conduct policy. He was suspended after he was arrested for domestic battery by strangulation in March, leading to his release by the Lions. The Steelers then signed him to a one-year deal in June before the league handed down his suspension in July, forcing Pittsburgh to turn to Beanie Bishop at nickel.

Teams Inquiring On Panthers’ Jaycee Horn, Chuba Hubbard; Carolina Unlikely To Trade Bryce Young

The Panthers dealt Diontae Johnson to the Ravens earlier Tuesday, concluding the receiver’s short stay in Charlotte. Carolina had been expected to trade Johnson and should be considered likely to make more moves after a 1-7 start.

Teams are calling on two of the Panthers’ top players. Jaycee Horn and Chuba Hubbard are generating interest, according to Fox Sports’ Jordan Schultz. Hubbard has been mentioned as a player the Panthers are unlikely to trade, and Schultz adds the team is not planning to move the contract-year running back or Horn. The latter has come up at past trade deadlines but is signed through 2025.

While the Panthers are being classified as a team not set to conduct a fire sale, they are in danger of finishing with the NFL’s worst record for a second straight season. Only Carolina and Tennessee reside as one-win teams exiting Week 8. Unlike last season, however, the Panthers have the carrot of holding their first-round pick in 2025 — as opposed to the Bears doing so this year. The opportunity to either add the draft’s best player or its best quarterback — depending on what happens with Bryce Young — would appeal to a Panthers team with no playoff aspirations.

Dealing away more pieces would certainly strengthen Carolina’s chance of securing the No. 1 overall pick, though the team has not needed any such boost thus far. The Panthers have lost five straight, with each of their seven losses coming by double digits. More pieces are all but certain to go, but it does look like Carolina will either stop short of dealing Horn and Hubbard or set a high price on each.

Horn’s name came up in the wake of the October 2022 Matt Rhule firing, but the then-Scott Fitterer-run team did not appear to enter serious talks. The No. 8 overall pick in 2021 has also lost some value due to the significant foot and hamstring injuries. The latter issue kept Horn out of trade talks in 2023. Current GM Dan Morgan worked under Fitterer for much of the GM’s time in Charlotte but was not on staff when the cornerback was selected; Morgan returned to the Panthers just after the 2021 draft.

The Panthers picked up Horn’s fifth-year option, which calls for a $12.47MM fully guaranteed salary in 2025. That number checked in roughly $7MM south of 2021’s No. 9 overall pick, Patrick Surtain. The latter has become one of the NFL’s best defensive players; before extending him this offseason, the Broncos asked for two first-rounders to begin a trade conversation. Although Horn has shown flashes, it would certainly not take that much to pry him from Carolina. Pro Football Focus, however, ranks Horn 27th among corners this season. While the Panthers have dealt Christian McCaffrey, D.J. Moore, Brian Burns and now Johnson, they look to view Horn as a building-block player alongside Derrick Brown on defense.

Hubbard may not qualify as such on offense, but it should not be considered a certainty the former Rhule-era fourth-rounder leaves in free agency. The team has seen Hubbard take over as its starting back. While Miles Sanders is a trade chip, Hubbard would likely be prioritized to help second-round rookie Jonathon Brooks ease into action. Brooks is coming off an ACL tear sustained in November 2023. While he may well be the Panthers’ starter in 2025, the Texas product is unlikely to see a big workload once he comes off the reserve/PUP list this season.

As for Young’s status, the Panthers remain unlikely to move him before the Nov. 5 deadline, The Athletic’s Joe Person notes (subscription required). The optics of giving up Young for a haul potentially headlined by Day 3 picks would bring more negative publicity to a team that has endured plenty of it under owner David Tepper. Young also may be given a runway to bounce back during this season’s second half, especially as Andy Dalton battles a thumb sprain sustained in a car accident last week.

The Panthers would have the opportunity to trade Young in 2025 — a scenario that loomed as likely upon the team benching him before Week 3 — but have seen at least four teams call about the former Heisman winner. Young does not yet have enough snaps to qualify, but his 19.3 QBR would rank last this season.

Diontae Johnson Trade Remains Likely; Multiple Teams Interested In Panthers WR

Cooper Kupp was floated as a trade candidate, but the Rams expect to retain him past the November 5 deadline. With the Jaguars’ Christian Kirk suffering a broken collarbone, he too is no longer a option for teams looking to add at the receiver spot.

That leaves Diontae Johnson as one of the names to watch over the coming days. A weekend report deemed it likely a trade would be worked out between the Panthers and a contending team looking to add him for the stretch run. Indeed, Joe Person of The Athletic notes it appears to be “a matter of when, not if” Johnson winds up being traded (subscription required). Echoing that sentiment, Sportskeeda’s Tony Pauline adds Carolina is unhappy with the pending free agent (who was hurt this past week), something which could point further to a trade taking place.

The Panthers acquired Johnson from the Steelers this offseason after the 28-year-old asked to be moved. One year remains on his pact, which includes a base salary of $7MM. Absorbing the prorated portion of that figure would be feasible for a number of teams, although Johnson has expressed a desire to remain in Carolina. Without any extension talks having taken place – and with the 1-7 Panthers firmly in the seller’s category – though, it would come as no surprise if a deal were to be made.

Fox Sports’ Jordan Schultz reports multiple buyers are showing interest, so Carolina could up the asking price if a sufficient market is generated. On the other hand, a mid-round pick was previously mentioned as an acceptable return, and Jason La Canfora of the Washington Post adds the Panthers are expected to “take whatever they can get” in deal involving either Johnson or fellow wideout Adam ThielenAcquiring additional draft capital is an obvious goal for the rebuilding franchise, one which could very well have a new starting quarterback by Week 1 of next season.

The likes of edge rusher Jadeveon Clowney and running back Miles Sanders are also potential trade candidates in Carolina’s case. While one or both of those players could very well be on the move in the near future, the top name to watch remains Johnson.

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

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

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

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.