Aside from getting players ready for the new season, the main goal for every NFL team is to avoid any major injuries to key personnel during training camp. Sadly for the Carolina Panthers, they suffered a crushing setback in the first practice when edge rusher Nic Scourton tore his ACL.
And this may have provided a trade opportunity for the Washington Commanders, who have a surplus of edge rushers after a busy offseason from general manager Adam Peters.
Scourton was projected to be a legitimate breakout candidate this season, the second of his professional career. Losing him is a body blow to the Panthers, especially with veteran right tackle Taylor Moton also set for a significant spell on the sidelines with blood clots.
Commanders could help out the Panthers with an edge-rushing trade
Carolina's general manager Dan Morgan will be forming contingencies. With the team looking to build on its NFC South title win in 2025, he may decide to be a little bolder in a trade to fortify depth.
The Commanders were incredibly busy throughout the offseason. Odafe Oweh was the big-money splash, signing a $96 million contract. K'Lavon Chaisson bet on himself with a one-year deal after thriving with the New England Patriots in 2025. Charles Omenihu is a versatile asset for the rotation, and Washington believes it may have a steal in fifth-round rookie Joshua Josephs.
With Dorance Armstrong Jr. making encouraging progress from a serious knee injury that ended his 2025 breakout early, the Commanders are well-stocked on the defensive line. That means some decent players are going to miss out, which may not go unnoticed by the Panthers and others looking for edge-rushing assistance.
Drake Jackson needs to prove his health, but he'd be a potential trade chip with a summer of no complications. Javontae Jean-Baptiste is another, though he is also coming off a long-term complication. Any contending team may benefit from Deatrich Wise Jr.'s experience and run-stopping prowess. The compensation wouldn't be earth-shattering, but something is always better than nothing for players who will no longer be part of the plans.
It may not happen, and the Panthers may be satisfied with what they have. But it's something Peters should contemplate for anyone he believes would generate interest.
Carolina has Jaelan Phillips, Patrick Jones II, and Princely Umanmielen to fill the void. They are reportedly signing Cam Gill, the UFL Defensive Player of the Year, to bolster the room. That might be enough, but it's a fluid situation. And with the Panthers looking to take the next step in 2026, they cannot leave anything to chance.
Peters should be a willing seller. Whether anyone would take the plunge is another matter.
Add us as a preferred source on Google