One trade each NFL team must make before the deadline

HOUSTON, TX - DECEMBER 25: Pittsburgh Steelers running back Le'Veon Bell (26) warms up before the football game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and Houston Texans on December 25, 2017 at NRG Stadium in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Ken Murray/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

5 of 32

Mandatory Credit: Ian Johnson/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images– /

Carolina Panthers: Tyler Kroft from Bengals for 5th Round pick

With Greg Olsen out again with a foot injury, and even with some quick optimism he’ll be able to return sooner that expected (UPDATE: possibly in Week 6) the Panthers have a big void at tight end. Rookie Ian Thomas hasn’t done much with the starting job, and Chris Manhertz is not a threat to usurp him even with that.

When Tyler Eifert was healthy, Kroft was automatically a tradeable asset. He set career-highs last year while playing in Eifert’s place (42 receptions for 404 yards and seven touchdowns). He’s also in the final year of his contract, and being in line for an extension or just outright hitting free agency next March automatically makes him highly unlikely to return to the Bengals in 2019.

A capable tight end is clearly a valuable target for Cam Newton , and one he hasn’t had for most of the last season-plus. The Panthers offense also functions better with that threat from a tight end on the field, and Olsen’s absence eliminates a weapon offensive coordinator Norv Turner has used well when his system has been at its best.

Eifert’s nasty leg injury in Week 4 means the Bengals probably need to keep Kroft around for the rest of the season. But they may still get some calls about his availability, and the Panthers should be one of the teams with interest even if Olsen is nearing a return.

Home/NFL