Analyzing potential trade scenarios between KC Chiefs and Panthers

Donte Jackson, CB

Donte Jackson is a team captain and starting outside cornerback for the Panthers. He’s not quite 27 years old and has proven to be a durable corner with a knack for creating turnovers (12 interceptions in the four years). Those are good things and rare traits at his age and price tag to be available on the open market.

For the Chiefs, it likely sounds good at first glance. The Chiefs are dealing with many injuries in the secondary these days, from Trent McDuffie to Rashad Fenton and a young secondary could use some security and experience if they want some stronger guarantees for a deep playoff run. Jackson is no slouch here and could slide into an important role.

Here’s the problem: He’s very slight at 180 lbs. and he’s a poor run defender. The Chiefs make demands on their corners beyond what Jackson has been asked to do at the pro level and the cost here would likely be too great for a potential middling fit long-term.

Position Fit: Low
Chance of Happening: Low

Derrick Brown, DL

What we wrote about Brian Burns could largely apply to Brown here except even more so on the youth/cost-controlled end of things. The Panthers took Brown in the top 10 of the 2020 NFL Draft in order to shore up their interior and he’s performed as hoped as a Pro Bowl-caliber run-stopper with some real disruptive potential.

The Chiefs would love to get their hands on a high-ceiling interior player these days to pair with Chris Jones (and give them flexibility as Jones gets older/expensive). The loss of Turk Wharton is going to hurt more as the season goes on, and the ceiling is already clear on Derrick Nnadi and Taylor Stallworth. Short of Khalen Saunders stepping up in unexpected ways, Brown would be a clear upgrade overall.

Given that he’s got two years left on his rookie deal, however, with a fifth-year option, the Panthers would be fools to let him go.

Position Fit: High
Chance of Happening: Very low