The Carolina Panthers have to be feeling pretty good right now. The team just picked up a conference win in dominant fashion in Week 2, and Bryce Young looks better than ever.
However, if there’s one part of the roster that has been very underwhelming so far, it’s the defensive line. Rookie second-rounder Lee Hunter has, quite frankly, been bad so far. TeRah Edwards and Cam Jackson haven’t been great either.
It also hurts that Bobby Brown III is injured and we don’t know when/if Tershawn Wharton is coming back. As a result, the Panthers could look to add a defensive lineman as they look to return to the playoffs in 2026.
Luckily, there’s a big-named defensive lineman who could be available for the right price.
Panthers Should Trade for Daron Payne
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Daron Payne has spent his entire nine-year career with the Commanders. Payne was drafted out of Alabama in the first round in 2018, and he’s been a reliable starter and is a one-time Pro Bowler.
The thing is, the Commanders are sitting at 0-2, and star quarterback Jayden Daniels just suffered a serious injury. The season could quickly go down the tube, and if it does, Payne could be on the move. The veteran is set to be a free agent after the season.
Bleacher Report’s Kristopher Knox recently identified 10 big names on the trade bubble, and Payne was included. Knox also listed the Panthers as a realistic landing spot for the veteran.
“If the Commanders decide that it’s not too soon to look ahead to 2027 and beyond, they should strongly consider moving defensive tackle Daron Payne,” Knox said. “The 29-year-old is set to be a free agent in the spring, and while he’s arguably Washington’s most important impending free agent, there’s no guarantee he’ll want to return if the Commanders have another wasted campaign.”
As Knox mentioned, it would make sense for the Commanders to trade Payne rather than lose him for nothing in the offseason.
“Payne would likely bring a Day 2 pick in return. He recorded 46 tackles and three sacks last season and has started both games in 2026,” Knox added.
If all it would take is a single Day 2 pick, the Panthers should jump. Payne would be an immediate upgrade and would be a great mentor for Hunter and undrafted free agent Aaron Hall.
