On Tuesday, Nov. 3 at 4 p.m. ET, the NFL's trade deadline will officially come and go. Normally, nothing very exciting happens during this time. Unlike other sports, football doesn't boast the same level of exciting mid-season blockbuster trades.
But what if it did?
ESPN's Adam Schefter put together a list of five trades that should happen but probably won't. One of those deals involves the Detroit Lions sending wide receiver Calvin Johnson to the Carolina Panthers for a second- and a fourth-round pick.
"Detroit's season is already effectively over in terms of competing for a playoff spot, and it's time for a reboot, which means getting draft assets where it can," Schefter wrote. "The Lions can get back an extra pick (or more), while the Panthers could land the stud wide receiver they need to compete for an NFC South title - a move that would be wildly popular in the Carolinas. Remember, Johnson is now over 30, very expensive, and Detroit won't be able to shop him forever."
Johnson has been solid this season but nowhere near his otherworldly self from years past. He's caught 48 passes for 659 yards and three touchdowns. That puts him on pace for 96 catches, 1,318 yards and six touchdowns on the year. That's a pretty darn good season. But Megatron has had just one 100-yard game all season, and his average yards per catch (13.7) is the lowest mark of his career.
However, even if Johnson is experiencing some sort of decline, he would still be an upgrade over what the Panthers have now. Carolina currently ranks 30th in receiving yards per game (212.5), 22nd in receiving touchdowns (9) and dead last in receptions (101). The team's leading pass-catcher is Greg Olsen. Carolina's unbeaten record is largely due to its dominant defense. Quarterback Cam Newton has played very well at times, but it's clear that he needs some help.
Will this trade happen? Probably not. But it's an interesting scenario to kick around regardless.
