The Carolina Panthers defense has not had too many breakout stars, but defensive tackle Jayden Peevy has been one of the few bright spots on an otherwise unremarkable unit. A former undrafted free agent, Peevy had the unenviable job of trying to replace superstar defensive tackle Derrick Brown following his Week 1 season-ending injury. While he hasn’t completely matched Brown’s 2023 production, the Texas A&M product has exceeded expectations. Appearing in four games, Peevy has recorded 1.5 sacks, six tackles, one tackle-for-loss, three quarterback hits, one forced fumble, and a 67.7 PFF grade, the 24th-best mark out of 124 eligible players.
The Panthers may have found a diamond in the rough, and Kristopher Knox of Bleacher Report believes he’s the Panthers biggest hidden gem. That said, the team could sell him to the highest bidder. At 1-4, Carolina’s season is effectively over as they will probably trade veterans like Diontae Johnson and Adam Thielen in the coming weeks. Jayden Peevy is just 25 years old, so he could be a part of Carolina’s rebuild. However, they already have an elite defensive tackle in Derrick Brown, and Carolina could trade the defensive tackle if they can get a decent enough return. Looking across the league, the Los Angeles Chargers seem like the team most likely to give up a decent return for the impressive veteran.
Chargers, Panthers Could Agree to Jayden Peevy Trade
Old-school football tells you that games are won and lost in the trenches, and Jim Harbaugh clearly subscribes to that philosophy. Throughout his tenure at both the NFL and college levels, the former NFL quarterback has devoted himself to winning with a hard-nosed, north-south running game and a ferocious defense that punishes the opposing ball carrier whenever possible. He proved that he wouldn’t change his ways this offseason when he retained the high-priced edge rushing duo of Khalil Mack and Joey Bosa while moving on from overpriced wide receivers Keenan Allen and Mike Williams. While the edge of the defense is secure, Jayden Peevy could add some strength to the interior.
Poona Ford is having a strong season, but Morgan Fox and Otito Ogbonnia are active liabilities. On paper, Jayden Peevy and Morgan Fox are similar players, as both defensive tackles are better against the pass than the run. Unfortunately for the Chargers, Fox hasn’t played particularly well as a pass rusher, as he currently holds an underwhelming 60.5 pass rush grade. This isn’t good enough for a one-dimensional player, and Harbaugh could consider a trade under the right circumstances. The only question is whether or not these teams can work out a deal.
Will A Trade Happen?
At 2-2, the Los Angeles Chargers enter Week 6 with a flawed roster and a broken quarterback. Justin Herbert suffered a Lisfranc injury in the offseason and is currently battling a high-ankle sprain. While the quarterback is trying to play through the pain, these injuries are impacting his on-field performance. Herbert could use more help, and he’s not getting it with the promising but inexperienced duo of Quentin Johnston and second-round pick Ladd McConkey. Already 2.5 games back in the division race, the Chargers should ensure they can compete before considering a Jayden Peevy trade.
Additionally, the Panthers don’t have much of an incentive to deal Jayden Peevy. Derrick Brown will always be the best defensive tackle on this roster, but Peevy will return in 2025 and carry a meager $960,000 cap hit. Brown and Peevy could be a dangerous duo next year, and while defensive tackle isn’t the most important position in the world, Carolina must build their defense around something. This team needs draft picks, but unless they can get a fourth-round pick for Peevy, they’ll probably keep the defensive tackle.
Main Photo: Bob Donnan – USA Today Sports
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