The NFL trade deadline is approaching, and the Carolina Panthers are looking to improve their defensive unit through trades. But what the Panthers thought was a prospect to improve their defense now looks out of reach.

Cincinnati Bengals’ edge rusher Trey Hendrickson was being linked to a trade to the Carolina Panthers, but that’s not the option now, especially after what the Bengals assistant general manager said.

“There’s no way they’re trading him now. They think they can stay in it until Burrow returns.” This statement came from the assistant general manager after the Bengals defeated the Pittsburgh Steelers last Thursday, improving to 3-4.

Per Trey Hendrickson’s contract with the Bengals, he’s still owed roughly $10 million in salary for the current season. The veteran pass rusher signed a one-year, $29 million extension in 2025 that carries a $25.17 million cap hit and a $31.67 million dead cap value, with a $16 million base salary. However, with the $29 million defensive end now off the table, the Panthers will need to explore alternative options to bolster their defensive front.

But why did Hendrickson become a popular trade choice in the first place?

Hendrickson had requested a trade many times during the offseason due to a contract dispute, but the Bengals did not entertain his requests. Then, during the preseason, the contract settlement was going nowhere between Hendrickson and the Bengals.

This forced the Bengals to open their phone lines to teams interested in Hendrickson. Also, the Bengals are going through an organization-wide youth movement, which suggests Hendrickson won’t re-sign. All these factors made Hendrick a popular trade choice. But one should also factor in Hendrickson’s current contract status, which was finalized in late August.

With Hendrickson out of reach, the Panthers and HC Dave Canales will be looking for players who can guide the young guns on the defensive unit, not someone who can just rush the team for a short time. Possible targets for the Panthers to fill the void left by starting outside linebacker Pat Jones II are several players. Jones II will miss the remainder of the season because of a back injury. 

Realistic trade targets include Kingsley Enagbare, whose role in Green Bay has diminished with Micah Parsons taking over as the primary edge presence, making him an affordable acquisition. Another option is Arden Key of the Tennessee Titans. With Tennessee in rebuilding mode, they’re expected to be open to moving veterans for draft capital.

New York Jets’ defensive end Will McDonald can be one of the options as he brings in experience of three seasons and is coming off a good 10.5 season last year. If the winless Jets wish to start again, they might give up on McDonald. Also, New York Giants outside linebacker Kayvon Thibodeaux could be a target, as he has double-digit sack potential and brings 4 years of experience to guide the youngsters.

Apart from them, other popular options that Panthers can consider are the Jacksonville Jaguars’ outside linebacker Dennis Gardeck. Gardeck, 31, is a respected special teams standout and dependable run defender who can generate pressure when called upon. Though he’s more of a rotational piece in Jacksonville’s defense, Carolina could offer him a larger role, taking advantage of his versatility across the front seven.

Miami Dolphins’ linebacker Bradley Chubb, the seventh-year veteran and two-time Pro Bowler, still provides strong production as both a pass rusher and run defender, bringing leadership and proven talent to any front seven. And the Las Vegas Raiders’ defensive end Tyree Wilson. A trade for Wilson could be on the table given his underwhelming performance compared to his draft pedigree, but the Raiders are unlikely to move a recent high pick without a strong return.

The Panthers have multiple options, and they will need to make the right choice, especially after their pass-rushing performance.

The Panthers are still lacking pass-rushing dominance

After the week 7 victory against the New York Jets, the Panthers not only improved to 4-3 but also reached .500 for the first time since 2001. Although the Panthers have shown new hope, their pass-rushing remains lacking.

The total number of pass rush Panthers have this year is only 11; more than half of them (6) came in the last game against the New York Jets. The 6 sacks are the highest since Week 1 of the 2021 season.

This doesn’t mean the entire unit isn’t performing. The development of players like outside linebacker Princely Umanmielen, defensive end A’Shawn Robinson, and linebacker Nic Scourton looks promising, but a dominant pass-rusher is still missing from the team. This has been the case ever since the trade of Brian Burns.

While searching for a viable option, the Panthers will be looking for someone who can effectively pressure quarterbacks. If the Panthers wish to continue the momentum they have built, they will need to dominate in the pass-rushing department as well, and the best option will be through a well-planned trade.