Should Panthers trade Jonathan Stewart to Giants for Hakeem Nicks?

Oct 28, 2012; Chicago, IL, USA; Carolina Panthers running back Jonathan Stewart (28) is tackled by Chicago Bears middle linebacker Brian Urlacher (54) during the first quarter at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Rob Grabowski-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 28, 2012; Chicago, IL, USA; Carolina Panthers running back Jonathan Stewart (28) is tackled by Chicago Bears middle linebacker Brian Urlacher (54) during the first quarter at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Rob Grabowski-USA TODAY Sports /
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Oct 28, 2012; Chicago, IL, USA; Carolina Panthers running back Jonathan Stewart (28) is tackled by Chicago Bears middle linebacker Brian Urlacher (54) during the first quarter at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Rob Grabowski-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 28, 2012; Chicago, IL, USA; Carolina Panthers running back Jonathan Stewart (28) is tackled by Chicago Bears middle linebacker Brian Urlacher (54) during the first quarter at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Rob Grabowski-USA TODAY Sports /

While Nicks would be a tremendous addition, it may be too costly to let Stewart go, who’s shown he’s clearly the team’s best back when healthy, but  was placed on the PUP before the season following surgery on the right ankle. The PUP list requires players to miss the first six weeks of the regular season before they are eligible to return and thus count against the 53-man roster.

So while he was hurt, he’ll be fresh for the stretch-run, while current starter DeAngelo Williams has rarely made it through a 16-game season without missing multiple games due to injury.

At the end of the day, it would be a risky move for the Panthers to part ways with Stewart, but it would be worth it in terms of upgrading the passing offense while potentially sacrificing production in the running game.