Russell Okung being traded to Panthers for Trai Turner
Russell Okung was pushing the Los Angeles Chargers for a trade and is getting his way.
The Chargers and Carolina Panthers have agreed to a trade that would involve a swap of offensive linemen. Okung would go to Carolina for Trai Turner. NFL Media’s Ian Rapoport says the deal has been agreed to but cannot be processed until the start of the new league year.
The deal is tentatively agreed to and is expected to be processed at the start of the league year: The #Chargers are trading LT Russell Okung to the #Panthers in exchange for standout OL Trai Turner, sources say. A swap of big-time OLs. Nothing is final until it’s official.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 4, 2020
In February, Okung expressed to the Chargers that he had uncertainty about the team’s direction. That likely played a role in him being traded.
A source tells me that #Chargers LT Russell Okung has expressed his uncertainty in the direction of the organization. While the team has attempted to reassure him, Okung remains skeptical of the team's direction and his future with the team.
— ig: josinaanderson (@JosinaAnderson) February 20, 2020
Additionally, Panthers offensive line coach Pat Meyer previously worked for the Chargers and wanted Okung.
Okung, 31, has one more year left on his contract and at a high cap hit of $15.5 million. He dealt with blood clots and a groin injury last season and was limited to six games.