Panthers Trade G Trai Turner to Chargers for LT Russell Okung

The Panthers traded starting right guard Trai Turner in exchange for Chargers left tackle in a rare player-for-player trade. Straight up, this is a massive steal for the Chargers. Turner has made the Pro Bowl each of the past five years in his six seasons in the league. He’s on a reasonable contract, signing a four-year, $45 million extension in 2017, not to mention he’s only 26 years old. He fills a spot on an offensive line that has been below average for years, and will likely pair up with Dan Feeney on the other side. But now, there’s a void at left tackle for the Chargers.

Okung only played 6 games in 2019 due to a pulmonary embolism and other injuries, which opens up a spot in L.A. He’s 31 and isn’t what he used to be. The Panthers left tackle position saw poor play from three starters, including two rookies, second-rounder Greg Little and sixth-rounder Dennis Daley. Okung will likely slot right in there, while mentoring Little, who was projected to be their future starter until poor play and injuries caused some to question.

For the Chargers at left tackle, second-year undrafted Trent Scott filled in poorly. The Chargers will be looking for a replacement, whether it be via free agency or the draft, or maybe they’d like to see what they got in 2019 third-rounder Trey Pipkins.

Chargers aren’t known to be active in free agency, and with an opening at quarterback now, they could target that position in free agency then offensive tackle in the draft or vice versa. They are in a rebuild now with no quarterback, but at least they got a great guard to build around, which is a decent start.

The state of the Panthers franchise now comes into question after moving Turner. After moving on from former head coach Ron Rivera, and now under new ownership, the Panthers should consider a full rebuild. You don’t trade an elite, young, franchise player like Turner and expect to contend. What’s happening at quarterback? Is Cam Newton healthy and a part of the future? Far too many questions for a team with so much talent that went to the Super Bowl four years ago.