Dave Canales Carolina Panthers
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ESPN writer Bill Barnwell suggested that the Carolina Panthers could trade their first round pick to the Los Angeles Chargers for former first round pick wide receiver Quentin Johnston.
Going into this offseason, Carolina Panthers head coach Dave Canales made it clear that he wanted to focus on getting weapons to put around quarterback Bryce Young. That included adding to both the wide receiver and tight end positions.
Now, with the NFL Draft just weeks away, the Panthers have a chance to get creative when adding to those positions. In particular, if they’re willing to send some draft picks in a potential trade.
ESPN writer Bill Barnwell decided to take a different approach to the mock draft, given the time of year, and look at potential trades. That included a very interesting one for the Panthers, where they would land former first-round pick Quentin Johnston in a trade with the Los Angeles Chargers.
The Trade That Would Land Quentin Johnston with the Carolina Panthers
Quentin Johnston Los Angeles Chargers
GettyLos Angeles Chargers wide receiver Quentin Johnston.
The trade that Barnwell put together for the Carolina Panthers and the Los Angeles Chargers would be a blockbuster. In it, he has the Panthers sending their first-round pick. That’s the 19th overall selection, along with the 159th overall pick, to the Chargers. In return, Los Angeles is sending Quentin Johnston, along with its own first-round pick at 22nd overall.
The first-round picks being swapped would be a big deal, and would see Carolina stepping a few picks back. Still, three slots in a round is not an unheard of step backward, and in this case, it would be done to get a player who still has potential.
“The Panthers have targeted supersized receivers for their diminutive quarterback, and the 6-foot-4 Johnston fits the bill here,” Barnwell wrote. “Drops have obviously been a concern, but Johnston can make contested catches and offers downfield explosiveness. He is coming off a 735-yard season in 2025, but Johnston was off to a hot start before the injuries at tackle and the ascension of tight end Oronde Gadsden limited his downfield opportunities.”
Johnston was first-round pick in the 2023 NFL Draft and has spent his entire career with the Chargers. That’s been a career that has seen its ups and downs through three seasons. Still, with 144 career receptions for 13.0 yards per reception and 18 touchdowns, there is plenty of talent to work with here.
Carolina Was Named a Top Landing Spot for Deebo Samuel
Deebo Samuel Washington Commanders
GettyWashington Commanders WR Deebo Samuel
The need for help at wide receiver is no secret. That makes Carolina a team that could end up pulling a trade like the one Barnwell suggested, trying to add talent there. Then again, the Panthers also have the option to strengthen their receiving core through free agency.
Recently, NFL’s Nick Shook suggested that it would make sense for Deebo Samuel, who most recently played for the Washington Commanders, to come to Carolina. There, he’d be a veteran presence in the locker room.
“I have no idea how the Panthers view Xavier Legette, a playmaker who tempts onlookers into believing he can become a star but isn’t nearly consistent enough to realize that potential yet. We know they have a stud in Tetairoa McMillan, and I’m personally a fan of Jalen Coker. Carolina already added John Metchie III, but why stop there? Throw Samuel, a rugged slot whose best days are admittedly behind him, into the equation to give Bryce Young another option.” Shook wrote.
As of now, these are all moves that make sense and not ones that will necessarily happen. Still, it’s good for the Panthers to have plenty of options.