When trade rumors swirl, it can torpedo a team's morale.
But Carolina Panthers wide receiver Terrace Marshall Jr. isn't letting trade rumors dictate his approach to preparing week in and week out. He was asked about the reported trade rumors Monday and said discussions regarding off-field business wouldn't be entertained.
“I’m just focused on the Houston Texans,” he said to Joe Person of The Athletic. “I don’t want to be a distraction to the team.”
On Thursday, it was reported that the Panthers gave Marshall's agent "permission to seek a trade." But in a backhanded way, it was also reported that the Panthers would welcome him back if no trade partner could be found.
Marshall was once believed to be a high-potential pass-catcher for the Panthers. But in his first season under Reich, everything has appeared to go wrong.
The most telling moment came in a Week 5 loss to the Detroit Lions, where Marshall didn't step on the field once. Reich later admitted that it was his mistake. However, it doesn't take away from the fact the Panthers didn't play one of the team's better receivers, and the coaching staff did not notice.
A more recent example of Marshall's shortcomings in the 2023 season came against the Miami Dolphins, where he played but failed to register a reception on three targets.
The decreased role played a part in his trade request, he said. Come Oct. 31, the future of Marshall will be decided -- for better or worse.
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