Carolina Panthers general manager Dan Morgan has made defense his top priority this offseason, determined to fix the disastrous unit that plagued the team in 2024. While the Panthers have made significant strides in bolstering their defensive line and safety positions, one area remains largely untouched—the cornerback room.
With the 2025 NFL Draft on the horizon, many expect Carolina to address this gap through their nine available selections. However, one analyst suggests a different approach: exploring a trade for Kansas City Chiefs cornerback Jaylen Watson.
Could Jaylen Watson Be the Answer for Carolina’s Secondary?
The Panthers have already re-signed Mike Jackson Sr. to play alongside Pro Bowl standout Jaycee Horn, but the team still lacks depth and playmaking ability at cornerback. Anthony Palacios of Last Word on Sports believes a trade for Watson could be a game-changer for Carolina’s struggling defense.
“The Panthers have a solid foundation for their rebuild, particularly on offense. However, the defense still has plenty of work to do. While the biggest concerns lie on the defensive line, the secondary also needs another playmaker. Jaylen Watson won’t fix all of Carolina’s defensive issues, but adding him would provide three reliable starters in the secondary and take pressure off an already overworked unit.”