Robert Griffin III questions Panthers trade logic

Carolina Panthers HC Frank Reich Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Robert Griffin III questions Carolina Panthers trade logic

By Michael Gallagher | Last updated 3/12/23

While the Carolina Panthers were applauded in some corners for having the guts to trade up with the Bears for the No. 1 overall selection in next month's draft, former NFL Rookie of the Year Robert Griffin III is not buying the move as a smart one.

Griffin III questioned why the Panthers -- who surrendered pick Nos. 9 and 61 in this year's draft, a first-round pick in 2024, a second-round pick in 2025 and star wideout D.J. Moore -- didn’t at least try to make a run at acquiring Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson, whom the television analyst backed up from 2018-20.

You would think the Carolina Panthers would AT LEAST explore a deal with a Unanimous MVP who is 26 years old and 45-16 as a starter before they traded so many assets to get the #1 pick. Could have potentially gotten Lamar Jackson, kept DJ Moore and some of those draft picks.
— Robert Griffin III (@RGIII) March 11, 2023

Jackson, a two-time Pro Bowler and former league MVP, was hit with the non-exclusive rights franchise tag by the Ravens last week, leaving him free to negotiate and sign an offer sheet with any other interested NFL team come the start of free agency. In this unique situation, Baltimore would then have five days to match his new deal or choose to accept two first-round picks in return — a substantially lower price than what the Panthers just paid the Bears for the top pick.

Signing Jackson would have additionally allowed them to keep their second-round picks, as well as Moore, a 25-year old receiver who had posted three straight seasons of at least 1,150 yards and 115 targets before Carolina entered quarterback purgatory during the past campaign.

The throw-in of Moore is not mere window dressing, either. The Panthers have just three receivers under contract for the coming season who saw playing time in 2022-23. with Terrace Marshall Jr., Laviska Shenault Jr. and Shi Smith combining for just 77 receptions on 120 targets, 1,058 receiving yards and four touchdowns.

Regardless of who Carolina opts to draft with the first pick -- they are rumored to be high on Alabama QB Bryce Young and Ohio State QB C.J. Stroud -- there will be little offensive help waiting on roster.

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