The NFL offseason is always a time for speculation, as teams look for ways to improve their rosters for the upcoming season. In recent years, the Carolina Panthers have found themselves in a rebuilding phase, transitioning from one quarterback to the next while also trying to build a competitive team around a promising defense. The Panthers made a major move in 2023, securing the top pick in the NFL Draft and selecting a quarterback for the future. With their young franchise QB likely in place, the focus has shifted toward adding pieces that can help their rookie quarterback develop and contribute to the team’s long-term success.
One such potential piece could come from an unexpected source—the Green Bay Packers. Specifically, the Panthers might find a creative trade option in the form of a frustrated star who could elevate their offense and provide the team with a dynamic weapon for years to come.
### The Situation in Green Bay
Green Bay has long been known for its superstar quarterbacks, starting with Brett Favre and continuing through Aaron Rodgers’ illustrious career. However, with Rodgers now in New York and Jordan Love taking over as the starting quarterback, the Packers’ offense is in transition. While Love’s potential is still largely unknown, one thing is clear: the Packers’ offense is struggling to meet expectations in 2023.
Among the players voicing their frustrations is star wide receiver **Allen Lazard**, who has found himself in a somewhat awkward position as the Packers’ passing game sputters. Lazard, a dependable target for Rodgers in recent years, has seen his role in the offense fluctuate, with his numbers taking a significant dip. The Packers’ reliance on a young quarterback and a shaky offensive line has hindered the passing attack, leaving Lazard frustrated and uncertain about his future in Green Bay.
The former undrafted free agent, who had his breakout season in 2020 with 1,000 receiving yards, is now a player looking for a fresh start. His role in Green Bay has been inconsistent, and with the Packers’ unclear trajectory moving forward, it might be time for both parties to part ways.
### Why the Panthers Should Be Interested
Lazard’s frustrations could be an opportunity for the Panthers to add a much-needed weapon to their offense. While the team’s defense is on an upward trajectory, the offense—particularly the wide receiver corps—has been underwhelming. As the Panthers look to support their young quarterback, a proven receiver like Lazard could be the perfect fit.
Here are some reasons why the Panthers should consider pursuing Lazard in a creative trade:
#### 1. **Experience with a Veteran Quarterback**
One of the biggest draws of Lazard for the Panthers is his experience in a pro-style offense and his proven chemistry with a veteran quarterback. Although his situation in Green Bay has been difficult, Lazard’s time playing alongside Rodgers could provide invaluable insight and leadership for a young quarterback like Bryce Young. Lazard knows how to adjust his game to fit the needs of a quarterback, something that would be crucial for helping Young find success early in his career.
The Panthers’ offense has lacked a true No. 1 receiver, and Lazard could step in and provide both consistency and stability. His knowledge of high-level offense, coupled with his experience in big moments, could be beneficial for Young’s development as a leader on the field.
#### 2. **Size and Skill Set**
At 6-foot-5, Lazard brings a physical dimension to the wide receiver position that the Panthers currently lack. Carolina’s receiving corps, while promising, does not feature a true big-bodied receiver who can go up and make contested catches in critical situations. Lazard would add a significant red-zone presence and provide the Panthers with another reliable option, especially on third downs and in high-leverage situations.
His size allows him to create mismatches against smaller cornerbacks, making him a valuable asset in goal-line and short-yardage situations. While his top-end speed isn’t his defining trait, Lazard’s ability to box out defenders and make tough catches over the middle of the field would give Young a safe target to lean on.
#### 3. **Low Cost of Acquisition**
A creative trade for Lazard may not require the Panthers to part with a significant amount of capital. After all, Lazard’s stock has fallen somewhat since his breakout year, and the Packers may be motivated to move him to alleviate their own salary cap situation. He’s currently under contract for a relatively affordable salary, which makes him a cost-effective option for the Panthers.
The Panthers could package a combination of mid-round draft picks, perhaps a 2024 third-rounder and a 2025 fourth-rounder, to bring Lazard to Carolina. This would allow the Panthers to strengthen their wide receiver room without sacrificing too much future draft capital. Additionally, if the Packers are in rebuilding mode, they might be willing to part with a player who is not part of their long-term plans, especially if they’re looking to add younger players or additional draft assets.
#### 4. **Lazard’s Ability to Compete for a Big Role**
Allen Lazard is entering a stage of his career where he’s likely looking for an opportunity to solidify his role as a true No. 1 or 2 receiver. In Carolina, he would not only get more opportunities to shine but could also become a key piece of the offense as a leader and reliable target. He’s been productive in the past with less-than-ideal quarterback play in Green Bay, so playing with a talented, young quarterback like Bryce Young could potentially allow him to have a career resurgence.
The Panthers have some promising young receivers, like DJ Chark and Terrace Marshall Jr., but neither has proven to be a consistent, game-changing force in the way that Lazard could be. Lazard could step into a more prominent role in Carolina’s offense, which might appeal to him as he looks for more playing time and opportunities to showcase his skill set.
### How the Panthers Could Structure the Trade
To make this deal work, the Panthers would need to get creative with their approach. First, they would have to assess whether Lazard fits into their long-term plans, particularly in terms of salary cap flexibility. The Panthers are currently projected to have over $30 million in cap space heading into the 2024 season, meaning they could absorb Lazard’s contract without making significant cuts elsewhere.
A potential trade package could look something like this:
– **Panthers Receive:** WR Allen Lazard
– **Packers Receive:** 2024 3rd-round pick, 2025 5th-round pick
This trade would give the Packers a couple of valuable draft picks to continue building their team, while the Panthers would gain an experienced and capable receiver to aid in Bryce Young’s development. The move wouldn’t be a blockbuster deal, but it would be a smart, low-risk acquisition that could pay dividends down the line.
### Potential Pitfalls and Considerations
While a trade for Lazard would be appealing, there are some factors to consider. First and foremost, the Panthers would need to ensure that Lazard is healthy and still capable of being an effective contributor at a high level. Injuries have not been a major issue for him in the past, but the team would need to do their due diligence to ensure that he can stay on the field and produce.
Additionally, the Panthers would need to be mindful of their overall roster construction. While adding Lazard would provide a much-needed upgrade at wide receiver, it’s important to remember that the Panthers’ long-term success hinges on surrounding Bryce Young with a balanced roster. Lazard should be part of a larger plan to add weapons to the offense, including a possible upgrade at tight end and the offensive line.
### Conclusion
The Carolina Panthers have a unique opportunity to pursue a trade for Allen Lazard, a frustrated star in Green Bay who could be the missing piece to their offense. By acquiring Lazard, the Panthers would gain an experienced, physical receiver who can help develop their rookie quarterback and contribute immediately in key situations. The trade would be a low-risk move that could pay significant dividends, particularly as the Panthers continue to build a competitive team for the future.
As the Panthers move forward with their quarterback of the future, they’ll need to be creative and opportunistic in adding talent around him. A trade for Lazard could be the perfect way to bolster their receiving corps and give Bryce Young the support he needs to succeed in his rookie season and beyond.