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Panthers GM Dan Morgan talks about possibility of trading 8th overall pick

Panthers GM Dan Morgan talks about possibility of trading 8th overall pick

USA Today26-02-2025

Panthers GM Dan Morgan talks about possibility of trading 8th overall pick
The Carolina Panthers may not feel good about their record from the 2024 campaign, but they seem to be pretty content with the consolation prize that the 5-12 mark rewarded them.
After chopping it up with reporters from the scouting combine on Tuesday, president of football operations and general manager Dan Morgan joined this morning's episode of Mac & Bone. Morgan was asked for his feelings about the team's 2025 draft position—which will have them, at least for now, picking from the eighth overall spot.
"I think we feel good about the position we're in at eight," he replied. "Obviously, we don't wanna draft that high because that means that, you know, you had a [crappy] season. But yeah, I think it's a good spot to be in. I think there'll be a really good player there for us. Either way, we're gonna be prepared for any scenario.
"I don't see us trading up. I do see the potential of us trading back and picking up more picks. That's always a possibility. But we're gonna play all the different scenarios and we're gonna be ready when the time comes."
The Panthers haven't been shy about trading up in, or into, the first round of late.
In 2023, the team—headed by previous general manager Scott Fitterer—traded up from the ninth overall pick to the first in setting up the eventual selection of quarterback Bryce Young. Then, since that deal cost them their 2024 first-rounder, Morgan and the Panthers jumped back into the very end of the first round last spring—nabbing wide receiver Xavier Legette with the 32nd overall pick.
Given Carolina's mountain of needs, especially on defense, we should probably take Morgan at his word this year.
But hey, you never know . . .

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