Will Panthers hold fire sale after trading Diontae Johnson?

Sep 15, 2024; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Carolina Panthers wide receiver Diontae Johnson (5) during pregame warm ups against the Los Angeles Chargers at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images

The Carolina Panthers parted with one of their best players on Tuesday when they traded Diontae Johnson to the Baltimore Ravens. Many are wondering if that move could be the start of a fire sale, but it does not sound like that is the team’s plan.

Teams have been calling the Panthers to inquire about some of their other top players, including cornerback Jaycee Horn and running back Chuba Hubbard. Jordan Schultz was told by a source that neither player is available and Carolina is “not having a fire sale.”

Sources: Despite teams calling about them, the #Panthers have no plans on trading CB Jaycee Horn or RB Chuba Hubbard.

“They’re not having a firesale,” a source said. pic.twitter.com/YVzIumLwa0

— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) October 29, 2024

The Panthers got barely anything in return for Johnson. They received a fifth-round draft pick from the Ravens but also had to include a sixth-round pick of their own. That is probably a sign that Johnson simply wasn’t getting along with the coaching staff in Carolina and was not viewed as a long-term fit, rather than the Panthers trying to stock-pile assets in a losing season.

It would take a miracle for the Panthers to work their way into playoff contention. That said, they seem intent on trying to develop Bryce Young despite benching him earlier in the year. Selling off all of your best assets is not a great way to put a young quarterback in position to grow.