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Panthers' Trade Deadline Targets: Who They Should Pursue and What They Need Most
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- Panthers' Trade Deadline Targets: Who They Should Pursue and What They Need Most
The NFL trade deadline is rapidly approaching. Teams now have to make a decision whether they will be buyers or sellers, and we've already seen some big moves.
The Carolina Panthers are a team that definitely should be buying. The team is 3-4, but still at the top of the NFC South. This division is very winnable, but the Panthers have some clear holes they need to at least try to patch.
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Today, let's identify six players general manager Dan Morgan should be targeting ahead of the deadline.
CB Donte Jackson
Jun 16, 2026, El Segundo, California; Los Angeles Chargers cornerback Donte Jackson (26) catches the ball during minicamp at The Bolt. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Donte Jackson makes sense as a trade target for several reasons: The Chargers are terrible, Jackson is headed for free agency , the Panthers need a corner, and Jackson has played for the Panthers before.
The veteran spent the first six seasons of his career with the team. Jackson started 76 games for the Panthers and came down with 14 interceptions. This season, Jackson is toiling away on the worst team in football. He would fill the Panthers' corner need as Mike Jackson and Jaycee Horn are still hurt.
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CB Riq Woolen
Oct 26, 2026; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Dallas Cowboys wide receiver CeeDee Lamb (88) makes a catch for a touchdown as Philadelphia Eagles cornerback Riq Woolen (2) tackles during the third quarter at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images
Riq Woolen makes sense for many of the same reasons as Jackson. Woolen is a veteran corner on an expiring deal on a bad team. Woolen would be a perfect outside corner for the Panthers, who barely have any healthy corners at all.
Woolen shouldn't cost too much considering the Eagles have already shipped some pieces off.
S Andre Cisco
Aug 21, 2026; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers running back Kaleb Johnson (20) is tackled by New York Jets safety Andre Cisco (8) during the third quarter at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Barry Reeger-Imagn Images
Andre Cisco is another veteran defensive back who would add much-needed depth in Carolina. The veteran is headed for free agency, so the Jets probably are open to getting a pick for him.
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Cisco has played in eight games this season and has 23 tackles, two tackles for loss, and one sack. At the very least, Cisco would be nice depth next to Zakee Wheatley and Nick Scott.
OG Landon Dickerson
Philadelphia Eagles center Landon Dickerson (69)Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Landon Dickerson could be a major addition for the Panthers on the interior. The Eagles are seemingly shipping off major pieces ahead of the deadline, and the offensive line has already lost Cam Jurgens and Lane Johnson.
In Carolina, Dickerson could immediately step in while Damien Lewis is out. After Lewis returns, Dickerson could take Robert Hunt's spot. Either way, Dickerson would be a major upgrade. The lineman is under contract through 2028 , though, so it may take a lot to pry him away.
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DL Grover Stewart
Aug 29, 2026; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Indianapolis Colts defensive tackle Grover Stewart (90) celebrates after an intercaption against the Detroit Lions during the first half at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Goddin-Imagn Images
Grover Stewart fits the mold of a solid veteran playing on an expiring deal for a bad team. The Colts have shipped off several pieces already, so there's no reason to hang onto Stewart.
The veteran has been a reliable interior defender for years now. Stewart holds his own in run defense and has 26 tackles and two tackles for loss this season. Stewart would definitely help this Panthers' defensive line that's been disappointing.
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WR Josh Downs
Oct 11, 2026; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Indianapolis Colts wide reciever Josh Downs (2) looks on after the game against Pittsburgh Steelers at Acrisure Stadium. Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images
Josh Downs is another Colt who should be on the move. The receiver is also headed for free agency, and the Colts need all the draft capital they can get.
Downs would be a perfect WR3 for the Colts with Chris Brazzell II and Xavier Legette out. Tetairoa McMillan and Jalen Coker are the only pass-catchers on this team you can feel good about, but adding Downs would change that.
More on the Carolina Panthers
This story was originally published by Athlon on Nov 4, 2026, where it first appeared in the NFL section. Add Athlon as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
