Top NFL insider hints at Panthers' approach for trade deadline - Panthers Wire

A top league insider may have just bursted the bubble of quite a few Carolina Panthers fans.

If you're hoping that the reigning NFC South champs will be active at the trade deadline, or will at least make one swap, then you may want to temper those thoughts. Sports Illustrated's Albert Breer, in emptying out his latest notes across the NFL, suggests that general manager Dan Morgan and the Panthers—like their division rivals in the Atlanta Falcons—won't be buyers heading through into Tuesday.

He does, though, drop an intriguing nugget on two of the team's Pro Bowlers—defensive lineman Derrick Brown and right guard Robert Hunt. Breer writes:

The Falcons are still right there in the NFC South race, but I’m told they’d really only consider acquiring picks right now. And veteran LB Christian Harris and nickel Mike Hughes are two guys who would be available for teams with needs at those spots.

Ditto on the Panthers, who are actually leading the NFC South, but have looked at the idea of trading Derrick Brown or veteran guard Robert Hunt.

That first part isn't too shocking. Between Morgan's affinity for his draft picks and the (very) limited amount of the salary cap space he has to work with at the moment, it's fair to assume that Carolina won't be pulling the trigger on a difference-making deal.

Breer's second bit, however, may be a little surprising. Could the playoff-hopeful Panthers really afford to dump off their best defender and/or a starting offensive lineman?

Well, they're reportedly not entertaining a move of Brown—according to Joe Person of The Athletic. Per Person, a longtime team beat writer, Carolina has no interest in departing with Brown—telling inquiring teams that the former first-round pick is not available.

So, as the landscape stands, don't count on the Panthers making noise over the next few days.

Follow @ThePanthersWire on Twitter/X for more Panthers content.

Comments reflect the views of their authors, not USA TODAY, its publications or its journalists. We do not fact check, verify, or endorse comments and are not responsible for their accuracy or any reliance on them. We may remove comments or suspend commenting privileges at our discretion. Comments are public; do not post personal information. By commenting, you agree to our Terms of Service, Community Rules, and Privacy Policy.