The Carolina Panthers look like a mess right now.
On Sunday, they got blown out by the banged-up San Francisco 49ers, 37-15, and it was a very ugly game all around for Carolina.
It was so ugly that just hours later, head coach Matt Rhule and defensive coordinator Phil Snow were fired.
The Panthers also lost starting quarterback Baker Mayfield to an ankle injury, and he is expected to be out for up to six weeks as a result.
They currently have a dismal 1-4 record, and as a result, there is a feeling that the season has already been lost, as they rank toward the bottom of the NFL in a number of key categories.
There is now speculation the Panthers are getting trade offers for some of their key players, and that they may at least be open to reshuffling their deck by moving one or more such men.
These three players, in particular, could possibly be candidates to get traded, especially if they’re looking to bring back draft capital in order to rebuild.
D.J. Moore
There are rumors going around the football world that multiple teams have let Carolina know they’re interested in trading for Moore.
He is off to a slow start this season with just 197 yards and one touchdown through five games, but when one looks at his past production, it’s easy to see why there could be ample interest in him.
In each of the past three seasons, he put up over 1,150 yards while scoring four touchdowns each year, and he is only 25 years of age, so perhaps playing on a team with a top-flight quarterback and more stability could help him raise his game even more.
In today’s NFL, it’s hard to have too many weapons, and there are some teams that could take a step forward if they just had one more productive wideout such as Moore.
Christian McCaffrey
The rumor mill is also turning with speculation that McCaffrey, the team’s top running back, could be headed elsewhere.
Just three years ago, he was considered one of the better tailbacks in the game as he posted 1,387 yards and 15 touchdowns on the ground plus 1,005 yards and four touchdowns in the air, which earned him Pro Bowl and All-Pro First Team nods.
He has been slowed by injuries the past two seasons, but so far in 2022, he has looked solid, as he has put up 324 yards and two touchdowns on the ground plus another 188 yards and one touchdown in the air.
McCaffrey could end up being the final piece for a number of teams, including the 49ers, Los Angeles Rams, Buffalo Bills or Denver Broncos.
LANDING SPOTS for Christian McCaffrey
[via @CodyJBenjamin]1. Buffalo Bills
2. Los Angeles Rams
3. Denver Broncos
4. San Francisco 49ers
5. Philadelphia Eagles
6. Washington Commanders pic.twitter.com/stlHBjeZnw— CBS Sports HQ (@CBSSportsHQ) October 11, 2022
However, reporter Tom Pelissero poured some cold water on these rumors by saying the Panthers don’t seem to be in any rush to deal McCaffrey.
The #Panthers haven't had trade talks about Christian McCaffrey with the #Bills or any other team this season, per sources. Carolina already paid most of his $8.6M salary in a bonus. Every team will be working the phones the next few weeks, but nothing in the works with CMC.
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) October 10, 2022
Terrace Marshall Jr.
Marshall, the 59th pick in April’s NFL draft, has been an attractive prospect, as he scored 13 and 10 touchdowns in his sophomore and junior seasons, respectively, at Louisiana State University in the ultra-competitive Southeastern Conference (SEC).
But so far in his rookie season, he hasn’t been impressive, as he’s appeared in only two contests and put up four catches and 30 yards, all of which came versus the 49ers.
Perhaps a team would be willing to take a chance on developing Marshall, and in return, it could supply the Panthers with a draft pick they could add to their tool chest of picks in next year’s draft, which is said to be rich in quarterbacks who have potential.
NEXT: Will Sean Payton Be The Next Coach In Carolina?