The Carolina Panthers should consider pursuing an aggressive trade with an NFC South rival.
The Carolina Panthers are entering the 2026 NFL season with much higher expectations than they have faced in recent years.
Last season, Bryce Young and company were able to squeak out an NFC South division title. They made the playoffs before being eliminated by the Los Angeles Rams in the Wild Card round.
While the loss in the Wild Card was disappointing, it gave Panthers fans hope. Heading into this season, there are many who are expecting Carolina to be a player in the division once again. However, there are some glaring question marks.
Of course, the questions surrounding Young as a franchise quarterback continue to swirl. He has more work to do to prove that he can be the long-term guy. But, the Panthers also need to have enough support for him.
That brings up another offensive question mark. Does Carolina have a good enough running game?
Currently, the Panthers have two running backs expected to receive a bulk of the workload on the ground. Chuba Hubbard projects to be the team's starter, with Jonathon Brooks behind him. They also have Trevor Etienne and AJ Dillon on the roster.
None of those running backs will strike fear in opposing defenses.
With that being said, should Carolina consider pursuing a trade for another running back? How about a surprising deal with the NFC South rival New Orleans Saints for Alvin Kamara?
Kamara has come up as a potential trade target throughout the entire 2026 offseason. Would the Saints even consider trading him to the Panthers? That is unknown, but Kamara would be well worth taking a swing on.
Last season, the 30-year-old running back had a rough year. He played in 11 games, carrying the football 131 times for 471 yards and a touchdown. Kamara also caught 33 passes for 186 yards.
Obviously, he is no longer the elite superstar that he once was. However, back in 2024, he racked up 950 yards and six touchdowns on 228 carries. Kamara also caught 68 passes for 543 yards and two more scores that year.
At the very least, Kamara would be able to offer the threat of big plays on the ground. He could also be a weapon for Young in the passing game out of the backfield.
Seeing the two division rivals come together on a trade involving one of the most notable players in recent New Orleans history would be surprising. But, it's a move that the Panthers should at least consider pursuing.
Do you think Carolina should consider trying to acquire Kamara in a trade with the Saints?
