The NFL offseason is in full swing, and as teams look to retool and reload for the upcoming season, a new trade proposal between the Carolina Panthers and the Denver Broncos is beginning to generate buzz. At the center of the conversation is a talented defensive back from Denver, whose potential move to Carolina could have ripple effects across the league. With both franchises coming off seasons that left much to be desired, the hypothetical trade could be mutually beneficial—and it just might be the shake-up each side needs.
For the Carolina Panthers, who are still in the midst of a rebuild centered around second-year quarterback Bryce Young, improving the defense remains a top priority. While the Panthers have flashed potential on defense in recent years, injuries, coaching turnover, and a lack of consistent talent in the secondary have plagued their progress. Adding a proven, high-upside defensive back from Denver could help stabilize the unit and give head coach Dave Canales more flexibility as he tries to turn the franchise around.
The Broncos, on the other hand, are in a complicated position. After the high-profile failure of the Russell Wilson experiment and the hefty contract they were forced to absorb even after parting ways with him, Denver is navigating one of the most challenging cap situations in the league. General manager George Paton and head coach Sean Payton are looking to restructure the roster to reflect Payton’s long-term vision. That may mean parting with key players—particularly those who play premium positions and command high salaries. Trading a defensive back from a position of depth could help Denver free up cap space and acquire future assets, including potential help on the offensive side of the ball or in the draft.
The player at the heart of this proposal is Pat Surtain II, widely regarded as one of the top cornerbacks in the league. Drafted ninth overall in the 2021 NFL Draft, Surtain has lived up to the hype and then some, establishing himself as a true shutdown corner with elite instincts, size, and technique. He was named a first-team All-Pro in 2022 and remains a cornerstone piece of the Broncos defense. But therein lies the dilemma: while Surtain’s talent is undeniable, his next contract will be expensive—likely setting a new benchmark for cornerbacks league-wide.
With Denver not expected to contend in 2025 and in desperate need of draft capital, trading Surtain while his value is sky-high could be the smartest long-term play. Enter the Carolina Panthers, who not only have a need at corner but also the assets and motivation to make a bold move. The Panthers could package a 2025 first-round pick, a 2025 third-rounder, and a promising young player—perhaps a rotational defensive lineman or wide receiver still on a rookie deal—to acquire Surtain. For a player of his caliber, that might seem like a steep price, but Carolina’s front office may view it as a worthwhile investment in leadership and on-field excellence.
Surtain would immediately slot in as the Panthers’ top corner, forming a potentially elite duo with Jaycee Horn—another top-10 pick with lockdown abilities when healthy. The pairing of Surtain and Horn would give Carolina one of the most talented cornerback tandems in the NFL, capable of matching up with any receiver group in the NFC South and beyond. It would also allow defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero, who previously coached Surtain in Denver, to employ more aggressive schemes. The familiarity between Evero and Surtain could help smooth the transition and unlock the full potential of Carolina’s defense.
Meanwhile, the Broncos could use the draft picks acquired to address pressing needs on offense, particularly along the offensive line or at wide receiver, depending on how the rest of their offseason unfolds. Denver currently holds just six picks in the 2025 NFL Draft, and adding more capital would not only give them flexibility but also help reset the roster without fully tanking. With Jarrett Stidham and rookie Bo Nix competing for the quarterback job, surrounding whoever wins the job with young, affordable talent is essential.
While many fans would be heartbroken to see Surtain leave Denver, the trade would reflect the harsh realities of roster management in the NFL. Elite players cost money, and the Broncos are not currently in a position to offer top-of-the-market deals across the board. Trading Surtain now, rather than losing him for nothing down the line or being forced to use the franchise tag, is a proactive step that could pay dividends—particularly if the acquired picks translate into starters or difference-makers.
For Carolina, the risk is also significant. Giving up a first-round pick in a draft class that is expected to be deep in offensive playmakers means forgoing the chance to add another weapon for Bryce Young. But the Panthers’ front office may be signaling that they believe Young is the long-term answer and now is the time to start building a complete roster around him. Solidifying the defense, especially the secondary, can take pressure off a developing offense and help the team win low-scoring games as Young continues to mature.
There is also the matter of timing. While no official reports have confirmed that trade discussions are taking place, league insiders suggest that both teams are evaluating all options as they head into OTAs and mini-camps. Surtain is still under contract through 2025, but a trade this offseason would give his new team time to negotiate an extension and integrate him into the system before the games start counting. From a financial standpoint, trading Surtain before his extension kicks in would help Carolina fit him under the cap without major restructuring.
One wildcard in all of this is the presence of other suitors. If the Broncos do make Surtain available, expect teams like the Detroit Lions, Houston Texans, and even the Kansas City Chiefs to express interest. Carolina would need to act quickly and decisively to outbid other contenders. What gives the Panthers an edge, however, is the Evero connection and their need for a long-term defensive leader. Surtain fits both the culture and scheme Carolina is trying to build, and he’s young enough that he could be a centerpiece for the next five to seven years.
The Panthers have made it clear that they don’t want to linger in rebuilding mode forever. They’ve added pieces on offense—bringing in help on the offensive line and at receiver—but the defensive side of the ball still lacks the star power needed to compete with the likes of Tampa Bay and Atlanta. Bringing in Surtain would send a message to fans and players alike: Carolina is serious about winning now, and they’re willing to take bold steps to make it happen.
In terms of fit, there are few better options for Carolina than Surtain. At 6-foot-2 with exceptional length and footwork, he can match up with taller receivers like Mike Evans or more agile threats like Chris Olave. He thrives in both man and zone coverage and rarely gets caught out of position. His presence would also benefit the rest of the Panthers’ secondary, allowing safeties to focus more on run support and playmaking rather than always compensating for blown coverages or mismatches.
From Denver’s side, this would be a bitter pill to swallow in the short term, but potentially a win in the long term. With Payton at the helm, the Broncos are trying to reset the culture and build a new identity. That may involve some difficult decisions, especially when it comes to parting ways with fan favorites. However, acquiring draft capital and shedding future salary obligations gives the franchise much-needed flexibility. If Denver can hit on the picks they receive from Carolina, they could speed up the rebuild process and emerge with a younger, hungrier roster.
At the end of the day, trades like this rarely come down to just talent—they’re about timing, context, and vision. The Panthers see a window opening in the NFC South, a division with no clear dominant team. The Broncos are facing a cap crunch and may be preparing for a longer rebuild than fans would prefer. If the two sides can align their goals, a blockbuster deal involving Pat Surtain II could become one of the defining moves of the 2025 offseason.
Whether it materializes remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: Carolina wants to win, and Denver wants to reshape its future. A trade that sends a star defensive back from the Mile High City to the Queen City might be just the move both teams need to take that next step.