Did the Panthers Give Up Too Much for the No. 1 Pick?

Chicago received a big return in the blockbuster deal.

Earlier this offseason, Carolina Panthers GM Scott Fitterer said "this is the year we go out and take some shots," and Friday evening, he did just that by acquiring the No. 1 pick in the 2023 NFL Draft from the Chicago Bears.

To make the deal happen, Carolina had to send off the 9th and 61st overall picks in this year's draft, a first and second round selection in 2024, and wide receiver DJ Moore. 

Landing the first overall pick is something the fan base seems to be excited about, but including Moore in the trade has not been received very well and rightfully so. Moore strung together three consecutive seasons of at least 1,100 receiving yards with Kyle Allen, Will Grier, Teddy Bridgewater, PJ Walker, Sam Darnold, Cam Newton, and Baker Mayfield as his quarterbacks. Because of Carolina's poor quarterback play and the lack of winning the organization has had since he's entered the league, Moore flew under the radar despite being one of the best in the NFL at his position.

Now, Carolina has no reliable options to throw the ball to and for a rookie quarterback that can be very problematic. But is it time to panic? 

No. Absolutely not. 

Although the free agent class isn't loaded with talent at receiver, there are still some respectable options that they can pursue. Then you have the draft as well. 

Everyone knew that for the Panthers to jump up eight spots all the way to one, leapfrogging over other QB-needy teams such as Houston, Indianapolis, Las Vegas, and Atlanta, they would need to give Chicago an offer they couldn't pass up on. Why? Because the Bears don't want to fall eight spots down the board when they could fall one (Houston) or three spots (Indianapolis) and still get a solid return. Parting with two first round picks isn't the problem most have with this trade. It's Moore.

Sure, it's probably a little bit too much, but if you believe this is the opportunity to get your quarterback for the next decade plus, you have to make the move. Really good wide receivers grow on trees these days. Every draft class seems to have at least 3-4 receivers that end up being stars in the league. The same can't be said about quarterbacks. 

At some point in the negotiations, I'm sure Brian Burns' name was mentioned by the brass in Chicago. DJ Moore is a great receiver, but I'd be more willing to give him up than I would Burns. So if it came down to Moore being included or no deal, I would have made the deal too IF I felt strongly about one quarterback in particular.

You can follow us for future coverage by liking us on Facebook & following us on Twitter:

Facebook - @PanthersOnSI

Twitter - @AllPanthers_ and Schuyler Callihan at @Callihan_.