Panthers Should Target Vikings Linebacker to Bolster Defense
The Carolina Panthers have only one reliable starting linebacker in Devin Lloyd and need additional help. The article suggests trading for Minnesota's Ivan Pace Jr., who could be cut, for a late-round pick. Free agent options like Bobby Okereke or Bobby Wagner are considered less effective solutions.
The Panthers' linebacker depth has emerged as a clear weakness during preseason evaluations, with Devin Lloyd standing as the only proven starter at the position. Minnesota's Ivan Pace Jr. posted 102 tackles as a rookie in 2023 but saw his role diminish last season due to injury, playing just 30 percent of defensive snaps. A late-round pick could pry him loose if the Vikings decide against keeping him.
Carolina's alternative paths carry drawbacks. Free agents Bobby Okereke and Bobby Wagner remain unsigned for a reason, while other trade targets like Patrick Queen come with prohibitive costs. Acquiring Pace would allow Trevin Wallace and Claudin Cherilus to shift into backup roles, strengthening the unit's overall depth ahead of the regular season.
This trade speculation could affect how NFL teams approach roster construction late in the preseason, particularly regarding players on the roster bubble. For Panthers fans, the outcome may shape defensive performance in close games, potentially influencing the team's win total and playoff chances. For Pace, a move could revive his career trajectory. The broader league may also take note of how aggressively teams leverage impending cuts to acquire talent at minimal draft capital, a dynamic that could shift bargaining norms across the sport.