There have been two games played, but for the most part, you have to feel good about what you’ve seen from the Carolina Panthers.
The offense has been plenty good enough in both games, and the defense was elite in Week 2. If that Week 2 defensive performance can become the norm, then this team could be in store for a special season.
However, if there’s one thing to be concerned about, it’s the defensive line. Rookie second-round pick Lee Hunter has been a major disappointment so far, as has the usually stout Derrick Brown. It also doesn’t help that Tershawn Wharton is still missing in action.
As a result, a trade proposal was recently floated that would address the defensive line in a major way.
Panthers Urged to Trade for Jeffery Simmons
Zach Roberts of Panthers OnSI thinks the Panthers should at least entertain calling the Titans about Jeffery Simmons.
Simmons is legitimately one of the best interior defenders in the league. The veteran is one of the only bright spots on the Titans, and he’s earned a very solid 77.7 Pro Football Focus grade. Simmons has been credited with nine pressures, which is the third-most out of 122 qualified defensive linemen.
Simmons did just sign a massive extension with the Titans, but things change quickly in the NFL. Perhaps Simmons is tired of all the losing, and the Panthers definitely seem to have a higher ceiling than the Titans in 2026.
“Simmons could be on one side of the defensive line with Derrick Brown on the other. Bobby Brown III could split those two as the nose tackle, with Lee Hunter rotating in and out along with Cam Jackson,” Roberts explained.
A starting defensive line of Simmons, Brown, and Brown III would definitely be one of the best in the league. It would also take some pressure off of Hunter, who would be able to slide back into a rotational role.
“The Panthers would be going all-in after winning eight games a year ago, but they already started going all-in by spending big on Devin Lloyd and Jaelan Phillips,” said Phillips. “Why not keep the aggression up?”
Roberts also noted that the Panthers would have to include guard Robert Hunt to make the deal work financially. That definitely wouldn’t be a deterrant, as Hunt has been the weak link of the line so far in 2026.
A deal like this in the middle of the season is incredibly unlikely, and Simmons obviously wants to be in Tennessee considering he just re-signed. It’s fun to think about, though, and there’s no denying it would be a major all-in move.
