Panthers Weighing Trade for Raiders Lineman Jackson Powers-Johnson
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Carolina considers targeting the former second-round pick to stabilize an offensive line that has struggled to protect Bryce Young.
The Carolina Panthers are evaluating a potential trade for Las Vegas Raiders guard Jackson Powers-Johnson, as Sports Illustrated first reported. The 23-year-old was a second-round pick two years ago and recorded 14 starts as a rookie, splitting time between center and left guard. However, Powers-Johnson has since lost his starting role in Las Vegas, most recently playing right guard before being benched.
Reporting from Sports Illustrated indicates that the Raiders may be willing to move the lineman for a reasonable price, with discussions centering on a Day 3 draft pick. The move comes as Carolina continues to struggle with offensive line stability, highlighted by a recent game against Green Bay where quarterback Bryce Young was sacked six times.
While the prospect of a young, versatile lineman is appealing, Sports Illustrated notes concerns regarding why Powers-Johnson lost his starting job and where he would fit into a Panthers lineup that already features Robert Hunt at right guard. The outlet suggests that while a late-round pick represents a manageable risk for General Manager Dan Morgan, paying a higher premium for a player the Raiders have already moved on from would be ill-advised.