Panthers Linked to Underwhelming Patriots Trade Target for Key Position of Need
It appears that the Carolina Panthers are much more optimistic about their current wide receiver group than their fans, analysts, and pretty much everyone else. The latest sign of their lack of urgency at the wide receiver position is their decision to re-sign 8-year veteran David Moore. While Moore isn’t a bad receiver, his return suggests the Panthers don’t feel the need to make a major move at the position.
Re-signing Moore to a one-year deal in March, when plenty of top-tier talent is still available, feels more like the kind of decision teams should be making in July. While players like Amari Cooper and Stefon Diggs might be on the wrong side of 30 and recovering from injuries, they are still far more talented than some of the receivers on Carolina’s roster.
The reality is that the Panthers’ receiving group isn’t as strong as the team seems to think. Adam Thielen is a solid WR1 but is at an age where retirement is a real consideration every offseason. Xavier Legette didn’t live up to expectations as a rookie, and the team’s second-best wide receiver is an undrafted free agent with limited experience.
Even if the Panthers believe Moore is worth another year, they should still be exploring options to add more talent to the position, whether through veterans or potential 2025 draft picks.
One trade proposal that might not generate much excitement is the idea of the Panthers acquiring Kendrick Bourne from the New England Patriots, as suggested by Anthony Palacios at Last Word on Sports.
“For the Panthers, it’s going to be interesting to see how quarterback Bryce Young develops. Xavier Legette and Jalen Coker are promising but unproven, and they need more experience for Young’s growth. If Head Coach Dave Canales wants to avoid another rough season, adding more veteran pass catchers might be the way to go.”
While trading for Bourne doesn’t spark much enthusiasm, it would fit the Panthers’ usual approach. Despite limited competition at his position, Bourne has never exceeded 800 yards or five touchdowns in a season. Last year, he had just 28 catches, 305 yards, and one touchdown in 12 games.
Bourne does meet the Panthers’ preference for size (6-foot-1, 205 pounds), and if they don’t recognize how weak their wide receiver group is, this is the type of move they might make to “improve” the position.
Fans can only hope that the Panthers’ lack of interest in a deep free agent wide receiver class is a smokescreen for a bigger move to bolster Bryce Young’s supporting cast in the upcoming NFL draft. However, at this point, Panthers fans have learned not to get their hopes up.
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