Panthers' Marshall seeks trade amid team's 6-game slide
By Kevin Tolbert
According to a report by ESPN NFL insider Jeremy Fowler, Carolina Panthers' receiver Terrace Marshall Jr. has requested permission to seek a trade. The report states that Marshall is seeking a more prominent role.
The request comes after an 0-6 start to the season in which Marshall has seen action in only four of those match-ups - and only 14 starts since joining the team. Marshall has been targeted 27 times in an offense that has become pass heavy due to the team's fleeting ability to run the ball. But currently Marshall has only 16 receptions for 114 yards while teammate Adam Thielen, the senior pass catcher of the group, who has appeared in all six games, has 59 targets with 49 receptions for 509 yards. Since the opening game, Thielen has been the primary target for both Bryce Young as well as Andy Dalton during his single start this season.
Marshall, who has dealt with several injuries, has not made a significant impact as part of the team's struggling offenses since arriving as a second round draft pick of the 2021 NFL Draft. The former LSU standout has shown flashes that resembled the expectations that the team's various coaching staffs have indicated they'd like to see, but no consistent showings have materialized.
Not all of the low level performances can be attributed to Marshall's play. Head coach frank Reich has also admitted not utilizing Marshall as much as he could have in recent situations.
Marshall was initially a part of Matt Rhule's offense. Now, as part of the latest era of Panthers football, the Frank Reich era, Marshall has not flourished as a focal point in the offense that matches his talent level. Marshall has caught just 61 passes in time with the Panthers.
Marshall, who has only one career touchdown reception during his time in Carolina, has to be traded before the NFL's Oct. 31 deadline. If no trade can be arranged, it will leave Marshall attached to a roster struggling to find an identity as well as their first win of the season, something that is likely the biggest contributing factor for the request.
With regard to team's where Marshall could make a greater impact, there are several that make the short list. The Minnesota Vikings could be a possible landing sport for Marshall with Justin Jefferson now on IR ater suffering a hamstring injury against the Chiefs - an injury that could possibly derail the receiver for the rest of the season.
The Chicago Bears have just one dependable target in DJ Moore and Marshall could be the answer for the team to add depth at receiver.
The New York Giants, Bills, Pittsburgh Steelers and Broncos are also favorable places for Marshall's size and play-making ability. Even the San Francisco 49ers could use some help provide some relief for Deebo Samuels and All-purpose Christian McCaffrey who have been dealing with recent injuries.
The biggest question, however, is what the Panthers can get in return. While Marshall is talented, he will not, by himself, be enough for a first-round pick which the Panthers are desperately in need of. The team has no such picks for next year's draft.
