The NFL trade deadline often comes and goes with little fanfare, especially in the Carolinas.
The Panthers haven't been active ahead of the deadline during the Dave Gettleman era, but that doesn't mean it won't happen one day.
So with Tuesday's 4 p.m. deadline approaching, could this be the year?
"I think it's one of those things where there's a number of names are out there," coach Ron Rivera said Friday, "and I know Dave and his guys have been looking at those guys. But whether we're going to be an active participant or not, I'm not sure if that's been decided."
Because Gettleman puts together the 53-man roster and Rivera coaches who he's given, it's understandable that he's not completely in the loop. But if it were up to him, the Panthers won't be offloading talent even if they fall to 1-6 this weekend.
"I don't think there's anybody we're looking to sell. I think for us, everything is going forward," Rivera said. "We're in an interesting position in terms of our core guys. There's eight, nine, ten of them that we feel really good about going forward."
That doesn't mean the Panthers can't improve around the core.
With Michael Oher still in the concussion protocol, left tackles like San Francisco's Joe Staley or Cleveland's Joe Thomas would be welcomed additions. But either of those Pro Bowlers would probably cost a future second-round pick, as would Browns cornerback Joe Haden. Plus, Rivera remains committed to coaching up his young guys.
"Our offensive line is relatively young — two guards and both tackles are young guys," he said. "Mike Remmers for the most part, this is his third full year. Daryl (Williams) playing as well as he has been. Both guards are in their third year. That's a pretty young group.
"You look at the tight end group — Greg (Olsen) is a veteran guy, but we feel good about Ed (Dickson), we feel good about Scott (Simonson), we feel good about (Chris) Manhertz who we just brought in. He's looked really good in practice.
"The wide receiving corps is about as young as it gets in this league with the exception of Teddy (Ginn). So it's a good, young group on the offensive side. Backs are solid guys.
"Defense, you look at the defensive line, it's a young group except for Charles (Johnson). Linebackers — Luke (Kuechly) is in his fifth season. You've got Shaq (Thompson) in his second. A.J. (Klein) in his fourth. And, of course, the young corners."
And here's where many fans could scream in rebuttal: "Yes, of course, the young corners!" But until Gettleman pulls the trigger around deadline time, it's hard to think he will.
"I think we've got a good, solid group," Rivera said. "If anything, who knows, maybe there is something that we're looking at.
"Maybe this is the type of game that could dictate whether or not we're buyers. But that's pure speculation."
If Carolina doesn’t trade for a decent CB or DE then it’s proof that DG isn’t trying to win. Hell, I’d even accept a serviceable LT. It just doesn’t make sense for a GM to let their team flounder like this.
I agree, but i don’t agree in rearranging future plans in order to win right now. What if he makes splash trades and the losses continue to pile up ? Then we’re screwed and so is our future. Have to be smart about making decisions when it’s easy to press the panic button.
Oh no, I’m not suggesting grabbing some high profile player with a high salary. That would hurt signing KB and others in the future. I’m pretty sure we can do better than what we have in the depth of our CBs but especially the depth of our DEs.
That’s what I would LOVE the most. A DE that can be a force AND switch sides. We have been failed there.
Yeah…because our 2nd round picks have turned out to be so valuable…geez, Gettleman will probably trade for a tight end.
I think if we grind out a win tomorrow they will consider it more, but if we lose tomorrow the season is literally over. I would go left tackle, de, or corner
Now I’m starting to suspect Marty Hurney has put on a 330 lb body suit, donned BIKE brand gym teacher shorts, invested in smoke colored lenses, and goes by the name Dave Gettleman!