# Panthers' Biggest Need Ahead of Trade Deadline

> Panthers need cornerback to fix weak pass defense before deadline.
- Title: Panthers' Biggest Need Ahead of Trade Deadline | Shortify
- Summary: Panthers need cornerback to fix weak pass defense before deadline. Carolina Panthers must add a cornerback to strengthen their pass defense ahead of the NFL…
- Keywords: carolina panthers, nfl, trade deadline, cornerback, pass defense, bryce young, chuba hubbard, brad idzik, sports, Panthers', Biggest, Need
- Source: Carolina Panthers On SI — https://si.com/nfl/panthers/onsi/panthers-biggest-need-ahead-of-the-nfl-trade-deadline-is-painfully-obvious
- Published: 2026-10-21T20:00:02+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: carolina panthers, nfl, trade deadline, cornerback, pass defense, bryce young, chuba hubbard, brad idzik, sports
## Panthers' Trade Deadline Push
With less than three weeks until the NFL trade deadline, the Carolina Panthers can make a move to bolster their roster as they pursue a second straight NFC South title.
## Offensive Strength
The offense has been elite, led by QB Bryce Young, who is leading the NFL in passing yards per game and the only QB throwing for 300+ per game in the NFL.
## Chuba Hubbard Form
Chuba Hubbard has regained his 2024 form, averaging 4.8 yards per carry and posting 6 total touchdowns in five games.
## Offensive Playcalling
OC Brad Idzik is on fire calling plays in his first season as the playcaller, with the offensive success real.
## Roster Holes
This roster still has holes, areas to clean up, and rooms heavily affected by injury, making the trade deadline the best time to improve.
## Draft Compensation
Over the next three years, Carolina owns all but two of its draft picks and has the Vikings' fourth-round pick in the upcoming draft.
## Panthers' Cornerback Need
Carolina Needs to Add a Cornerback to fix their 19th-ranked pass defense as Mike Jackson and Jaycee Horn are out for the foreseeable future.
## Pass Defense Weakness
Carolina currently ranks 19th in the NFL in pass defense, with Will Lee III struggling against elite receivers like Devonta Smith.
## Cornerback Targets
Panthers could target Donte Jackson, a Chargers corner on the worst team in the NFL, or Keishon Nixon, a versatile Packers cornerback in his last year of contract.
## Key takeaway

Carolina Panthers must add a cornerback to strengthen their pass defense ahead of the NFL trade deadline.