5 teams that must trade for Emmanuel Sanders

3. Carolina Panthers

Even in a down season for Cam Newton as a passer, in an offense bereft of pass-catching talent beyond Greg Olsen and occasional flashes from Devin Funchess, the Panthers made the playoffs.

It’s a credit for Newton’s ability as a runner and the impact of this defense to keep every game close and give Carolina a chance.

Trading away a former first-round pick receiver and replacing him with nothing clearly hurt this offense.

That should hardly be a surprise. The Kelvin Benjamin move wasn’t second-guessed, it was first-guessed, eliciting a “Wait, they did what?” from most observers.

The geometry of this offense no longer words without Ted Ginn Jr. who could take the top off of defenses and loosen up safeties. Funchess, a former college tight end, just isn’t that guy.

Sanders could be a star in Norv Turner’s offense creating down the field with an ultra-talented big-armed quarterback tossing him the rock.