The Carolina Panthers entered the 2023 NFL season with optimism before finishing as the worst team in the league. After moving up to select Bryce Young with the first overall pick, his rookie season was bumpy from start to finish. The failed season created a necessary discourse around the talent level on the Panthers’ roster and where they could benefit from improving.
Young suffered from poor protection, coaching/play calling, and receiver play. I am 100% certain that Stevie Wonder could see the issues around Young with the 2023 Panthers. The lack of a true No. 1 wide receiver remains a glaring hole and weakness for the Panthers’ offense. The question becomes, how can this front office address the elephant-sized problem, in the room?
I say, look no further than San Francisco 49ers WR Brandon Aiyuk. He led the 49ers in receiving targets, yards, and touchdowns. Aiyuk is undeniably the best “pure” wide receiver on the 49ers offense. So, why would he be available via a trade?
The phrase is where there’s smoke, there is fire. After the disappointing loss in Super Bowl LVIII to the Kansas City Chiefs, where Aiyuk finished with three catches for 49 yards receiving despite being open most of the game. As a result, friends and loved ones close to Aiyuk took to social media creating a frenzy insinuating he would not be a 49er next season. Check the 33rd Team’s tweet below for reference.