Less than a year after believing he would be a top contender for the passing attack, the Carolina Panthers are looking to trade wide receiver Terrace Marshall. A second-round pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, Marshall had a dismal rookie season but showed signs of a bounce back in Year 2. The wide receiver bounced back late in his sophomore season, finishing with an impressive 28 receptions for 490 yards, one touchdown and 17.5 yards per reception.
Unfortunately, he wasn’t able to replicate that success in 2023. With Chicago’s departure of DJ Moore and the addition of Bryce Young at quarterback, Marshall finished the season with just 19 receptions, 139 yards and no touchdowns. With roster cuts looming, The Athletic’s Joseph Person believes the Panthers will try to trade Terrace Marshall before Tuesday’s roster cut deadline. He probably wouldn’t garner much interest, but the Los Angeles Chargers and Baltimore Ravens could take a chance on him.
Chargers, Ravens could trade Terrace Marshall
The Los Angeles Chargers need all the help they can get at the wide receiver position. With Keenan Allen and Mike Williams gone, the Chargers’ passing game hinges on second-round pick Ladd McConkey and 2023 first-round pick Quentin Johnston. McConkey has potential and Johnston reportedly performed well in recent training camp, but it’s no secret that preseason performance doesn’t always translate to the regular season. Terrace Marshall himself is evidence of this phenomenon, but that shouldn’t stop the Chargers from making a trade.
Even if McConkie and Johnston both work out in 2024, Los Angeles needs to add more receiver depth if it wants to catch up with the Kansas City Chiefs. Justin Herbert is good, but he’s no Patrick Mahomes, and the Chiefs are the better team even without the quarterback. Terrace Marshall alone won’t be enough to make up the difference, but the trade candidate fits well in this offense. He plays a similar style of football to Mike Williams, so it shouldn’t take long to build rapport with Herbert. With no noteworthy receivers outside of journeyman Josh Palmer, Los Angeles could take a low-risk, medium-reward gamble on the LSU product.
Ravens add depth
The Baltimore Ravens don’t have a superstar wide receiver, but they do have several players who can fill roles in a capable passing attack. Mark Andrews is one of the NFL’s best receiving tight ends, Zay Flowers and Rashaud Bateman are solid possession receivers, and Nelson Agoular and fourth-round rookie Devonte’z Walker can stretch the field. What they lack, though, is a player who can win contested-catch situations on the outside. Terrace Marshall theoretically possesses this ability, which could justify a trade.
No one expects Terrace Marshall to magically transform into a Dez Bryant in his prime when paired with MVP quarterback Lamar Jackson, but he could be a great addition to an otherwise flawless offense. Baltimore has the misfortune of playing in a strong AFC and will have to beat the Kansas City Chiefs, Buffalo Bills and Cincinnati Bengals to get to the Super Bowl. Terrace Marshall alone won’t carry the team to a championship, but a player who can make a big catch or two at key times could be a trade target.
Main Photo: Gregory Fisher – USA Today Sports
