Panthers predicted to send Diontae Johnson to NFC East contender at NFL trade deadline

What could Carolina get in exchange for the best wide receiver remaining on the trade market?

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - SEPTEMBER 22: Wide receiver Diontae Johnson #5 of the Carolina Panthers looks on prior to an NFL football game against the Las Vegas Raiders, at Allegiant Stadium on September 22, 2024 in Las Vegas, Nevada. / (Photo by Brooke Sutton/Getty Images)

The Carolina Panthers don't have much to play for the rest of this season. There's good cause to give young players time to develop, but they won't be in the playoffs. That means the best way this team can improve between now and the beginning of free agency in March is by trading the assets that they have to teams who still have a shot at a postseason run.

One team that could use an infusion of firepower at wide receiver is the Dallas Cowboys, who have started off the season 3-3. Josh Edwards at CBS Sports came up with a trade scenario where they land a WR2 behind CeeDee Lamb via Carolina.

CBS on Diontae Johnson to Cowboys

"By all accounts, Dallas' season has been disappointing thus far. Still, the Cowboys are .500 with an opportunity to make an impact in the NFC. Brandin Cooks is likely to be out a bit longer and there had already been a need for another pass catcher opposite CeeDee Lamb. Carolina's outlook is bleak and there is no long-term gain to holding on to assets valued elsewhere."

It makes a lot of sense, but why stop there? Including Adam Thielen in the deal would give Dallas a vastly-improved receiver room and the Panthers another Day 3 draft pick. The Cowboys also desperately need help at running back, and Carolina is as loaded there as any NFL team. Sending Miles Sanders could net another one - let's call it a fouth for Johnson, a fifth for Thielen and a sixth for Sanders.

That's a big load of draft capital that can be used to reshape this roster into something younger and hopefully more competitive.

- Enjoy more free Panthers coverage with Carolina Panthers on SI - 

ESPN analyst says there’s 0% chance QB prospect plays for Panthers

Panthers could move former first-round NFL draft pick at trade deadline

Panthers predicted to trade Pro Bowl WR to Bucs at NFL trade deadline

Cam Newton took something special from Snoop Dogg on ‘First Take’