The Carolina Panthers are expected to engage in trades during the 2026 NFL Draft, with scenarios for both trading up and down. General Manager Dan Morgan has a history of making in-draft trades, indicating an active draft strategy.
Key points
Carolina Panthers likely to trade in the 2026 NFL Draft
Dan Morgan has a history of making in-draft trades
Three trade-up scenarios presented
Three trade-down scenarios outlined
Morgan's first draft included a significant trade for the 32nd pick
Mentioned in this story
Carolina PanthersDan Morgan
Xavier Legette
In 2024, Dan Morgan made a move for the very first pick of his very first draft as the general manager of the Carolina Panthers. That deal saw the former Pro Bowl linebacker jump his team into the back of the first round to select wide receiver Xavier Legette with that year's 32nd overall pick.
And he didn't stop there. Over his two selection processes at the head of the table, Morgan has pulled the trigger on a total of six in-draft trades.
So, it seems pretty unlikely that he and the Panthers will be staying put come next week. But what kinds of swaps could we expect?
Here are three trade-up and three-down scenarios for Carolina's first-round pick of the 2026 draft:
Washington receives: No. 19, No. 51, 2027 third-rounder
The Commanders are coming into the draft with just two picks over the first four rounds. And while some key injuries helped torpedo their 2025 campaign, finishing at 5-12 still indicates that there may be quite a few roster holes to fill.
Carolina could give them a chance to hop in on the second round with the 51st overall pick and sweeten the pot with a third-rounder in what is shaping up to be a deep 2027 draft. In exchange, the Panthers hop up 12 spots for a shot at a franchise pillar.
Possible targets at No. 7: WR Carnell Tate, OL Francis Maugioa, EDGE Rueben Bain Jr., LB Sonny Styles, CB Mansoor Delane, S Caleb Downs
Q&A
What are the potential trade-up scenarios for the Panthers in the 2026 NFL Draft?
The article outlines three specific scenarios where the Panthers could trade up in the 2026 NFL Draft to secure higher-value picks.
What are the potential trade-down scenarios for the Panthers in the 2026 NFL Draft?
It presents three scenarios where the Panthers might trade down, allowing them to acquire additional picks while still addressing team needs.
Who is Dan Morgan and what is his role with the Carolina Panthers?
Dan Morgan is the General Manager of the Carolina Panthers, responsible for making strategic decisions, including trades during the NFL Draft.
How many in-draft trades has Dan Morgan made as GM of the Panthers?
Dan Morgan has executed a total of six in-draft trades during his tenure as General Manager of the Carolina Panthers.
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With a whole new regime now in place, the Dolphins are right at the beginning of a full-blown rebuild. So they may be looking to add as much draft capital as possible.
Possible targets at No. 11: WR Jordyn Tyson, WR Makai Lemon, TE Kenyon Sadiq, OL Spencer Fano, OL Monroe Freeling, CB Mansoor Delane, CB Jermod McCoy, S Dillon Thieneman
Baltimore usually just sits back and scoops up a top-end prospect that has no business dropping to them. But they have a relatively active front office, and did trade back in the first round of the 2023 draft.
Perhaps they'd be confident in their board while allowing the Panthers to shimmy up for better positioning.
Possible targets at No. 14: WR Makai Lemon, TE Kenyon Sadiq, OL Monroe Freeling, OL Kadyn Proctor, CB Jermod McCoy, S Dillon Thieneman
Speaking of active, Eagles general manager Howie Roseman wheels and deals like none other. Philly won't be afraid to pounce on their guy if they see him—as evidenced in 2021 (Devonta Smith), 2022 (Jordan Davis), 2023 (Jalen Carter) and 2025 (Jihaad Campbell).
Possible targets at No. 23: WR Denzel Boston, Kevin Concepcion, OL Caleb Lomu, OL Blake Miller, EDGE Keldric Faulk, EDGE Akheem Meisdor, S Emmanuel McNeil-Warren
The reigning NFC North champs seem awfully close to becoming serious Super Bowl contenders. If they feel like they're only a piece or two away, maybe the Panthers can facilitate a move up for them while adding a third-rounder.
Possible targets at No. 25: WR Denzel Boston, WR Kevin Concepcion, WR Omar Cooper Jr., OL Max Iheanachor, OL Caleb Lomu, OL Blake Miller, EDGE Akheem Meisdor
Like Chicago, Houston has four top-100 picks and their eyes on the Lombardi in 2026.
Possible targets at No. 25: WR Denzel Boston, WR Omar Cooper Jr., OL Max Iheanachor, OL Blake Miller, DL Peter Woods, EDGE Malachi Lawrence, EDGE T.J. Parker, CB Avieon Terrell
