Panthers Predicted to Add Missing Piece to Front Seven with Trade for 4-Time Pro Bowler

The Carolina Panthers have made it no secret that they are in the midst of a rebuild. After a frustrating 2024 campaign that saw the team finish with one of the worst records in the NFL, the franchise has spent the offseason reconstructing its identity under general manager Dan Morgan and new head coach Dave Canales. But despite several key moves, analysts agree the Panthers still lack one critical component: a dominant presence in the defensive front seven.

Now, multiple league insiders predict that the Panthers could fill that void by pulling off a bold trade for a four-time Pro Bowl defensive lineman. With veterans like Khalil Mack and Danielle Hunter reportedly available for the right price, Carolina has the draft capital, cap space, and motive to make a deal. Here’s why the move makes sense—and what it could mean for the franchise’s future.

The State of the Panthers’ Defense

The 2024 season exposed major flaws on both sides of the ball for the Panthers, but the decline of the once-feared defense was particularly jarring. Carolina ranked near the bottom of the league in key defensive categories, including:

• Sacks: 28 (31st in the NFL)
• QB Pressures: 115 (30th)
• Third-down conversion rate allowed: 45% (29th)
• Turnovers forced: 12 (30th)

The struggles were largely a result of poor play along the defensive line, compounded by the departure of star edge rusher Brian Burns, who was traded to the New York Giants earlier in the offseason. While the trade netted Carolina significant draft assets, it also left the defense without a true disruptor off the edge.

Now, with Burns gone and no clear heir apparent, the Panthers find themselves in urgent need of a player who can change games from the front seven.

Filling the Void: Why the Panthers Are Targeting a Star Pass Rusher

According to NFL insider Jeremy Fowler of ESPN, the Panthers are “actively exploring options to upgrade their defensive front,” and that includes trade possibilities. Fowler noted on a recent podcast that “Carolina knows it can’t go into the season without a difference-maker on the edge. There’s a strong sense that they’ll pull the trigger on a move if the right player becomes available.”

Several names have surfaced in connection to Carolina’s potential search, but two four-time Pro Bowlers stand out: Khalil Mack and Danielle Hunter.

Option 1: Khalil Mack

Mack is coming off a monster year with the Los Angeles Chargers, posting 17 sacks—a career-high—and proving that, even at age 33, he remains one of the NFL’s elite edge defenders. However, the Chargers are entering a transitional phase with a new coaching staff and may be looking to get younger and shed salary. Mack’s cap hit for 2025 sits at around $23.2 million, and Los Angeles could look to move him to recoup draft capital and create cap flexibility.

For Carolina, Mack would immediately provide leadership and explosiveness to a pass rush that sorely needs both. His experience, consistency, and ability to command double teams would open up opportunities for younger players like D.J. Johnson, Shy Tuttle, and Derrick Brown.

Why it makes sense for Carolina:

• Adds credibility to the defense instantly
• Provides a mentor for developing edge rushers
• Can still produce at an elite level

Why it works for L.A.:

• Offloads salary
• Acquires draft picks
• Accelerates youth movement under Jim Harbaugh

Option 2: Danielle Hunter

Another intriguing option is former Vikings star Danielle Hunter, who recently signed with the Texans but could become a trade candidate if Houston looks to prioritize future flexibility. Hunter recorded 16.5 sacks in 2023 and is still only 30 years old. He’s known for his rare blend of speed, power, and technical mastery.

While trading for Hunter would likely require a substantial package—possibly including a second-round pick and a player—his age and production level make him an ideal long-term piece for a rebuilding defense.

Other Potential Targets for Carolina

While Mack and Hunter are the most high-profile names linked to the Panthers, other trade candidates could include:

• Haason Reddick (Jets) – An athletic freak who spent time in Carolina before, Reddick reportedly wants a new deal, and the Jets are stacked with pass rushers.
• Chase Young (Saints) – A gamble given his injury history, but his ceiling remains sky-high if healthy.
• Montez Sweat (Bears) – Signed a massive deal in Chicago but could become available if the Bears decide to reallocate resources elsewhere.

The Cost of Doing Business

Trading for a Pro Bowl-caliber defender is never cheap, and the Panthers will need to part with assets to get a deal done. Most league insiders estimate a second-round pick (or a third-rounder plus a player) would be the going rate for someone like Mack or Reddick. For Hunter, it could cost more, potentially a first-round pick given his age and production.

However, the Panthers are uniquely positioned to pull off such a trade. Following the Brian Burns deal, they’ve acquired:

• 2025 2nd-round pick (from Giants)
• 2025 5th-round pick (from Giants)
• Additional comp picks from free agency losses

They also have cap space to absorb a contract or extend a player immediately—especially with Bryce Young on a rookie deal.

A Defensive Anchor for Dave Canales

New Panthers head coach Dave Canales is an offensive-minded leader, but he understands the value of having a strong defense to support a young quarterback. If Carolina’s defense can create more short fields, turnovers, and sacks, it will help Bryce Young develop under less pressure.

An elite pass rusher also gives defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero the flexibility to run more exotic blitz packages, knowing the edge can win 1-on-1 battles. Evero’s scheme thrives when it can create pressure without having to blitz, something Carolina simply couldn’t do last year.

How a Trade Could Shift the NFC South Landscape

The NFC South remains one of the NFL’s most volatile divisions. The Saints are aging. The Buccaneers are in flux. The Falcons have improved, but their defense still has question marks. If Carolina can fix its defense—particularly the front seven—it could quietly become one of the more dangerous “rebuilding” teams in the league.

The addition of a player like Khalil Mack or Danielle Hunter would send a clear signal: the Panthers aren’t tanking—they’re trying to win while they rebuild.

What the Locker Room Says

Veteran defensive tackle Derrick Brown, one of the few remaining standouts from the Panthers’ previous core, has already spoken about the importance of adding impact players to the front seven.

“We’ve got talent, no question. But you need a guy that changes the game, that offenses have to game-plan for,” Brown said in a recent interview. “That’s what Brian [Burns] gave us. We’ve got to find that again.”

Acquiring a four-time Pro Bowler would do just that.

Long-Term Impact and Risk

Of course, trading for an aging veteran carries risks—especially if the team isn’t ready to compete for a playoff spot. If Carolina doesn’t take a step forward in 2025, the acquisition of a big-name defender could end up looking like a short-sighted move.

However, it’s clear the Panthers want to instill a new culture—one that doesn’t accept losing. As GM Dan Morgan put it during a March interview:

“We want to build for the future, but we’re not punting on the present. The fans deserve better. The players deserve better.”

Trading for an elite front-seven piece is a statement—one that says the rebuild isn’t about waiting, it’s about acting.

The Panthers are in a precarious but promising position. After years of instability and false starts, they’re finally starting to build something real—with a promising young quarterback, a strong offensive-minded head coach, and a front office willing to be aggressive.

Adding a four-time Pro Bowler to the front seven would not only fill a glaring need—it would give Carolina its defensive identity back. Whether it’s Khalil Mack, Danielle Hunter, or another surprise name, one thing is clear: the Panthers are ready to make their move.

And if they do, the rest of the NFC South better take notice.