The Panthers' arrogance landed them a surprise injury before the trade deadline

The Panthers are reluctant to admit that their season is effectively over and that the organization's stubbornness could potentially do them harm at the trade deadline.

Star WR Diontae Johnson, one of the few bright spots on the roster, suffered a non-contact rib injury during practice Friday and is questionable. He's one of the best receivers on the trade market and despite the team's insistence on keeping him, Carolina would be better off recouping some value for a talented playmaker.

With Adam Schefter reporting that Johnson is leaving after this season anyway, there isn't much time left. If his injury becomes serious, it could destroy his value on the market and hurt the Panthers.

It's entirely possible that Johnson will be fine and play in Week 7. Still, injury concerns are a factor in trade talks. With just over two weeks until the deadline, every little thing can make a difference.

With Bryce Young on the bench and the franchise facing another rebuild, GM Dan Morgan needs to replenish as many draft picks as he can. If waiting is the difference between a third- or fifth-round pick, it's a costly mistake.

Johnson doesn't take Carolina's future plans into account anyway. Xavier Legette and Jonathon Brooks are the future of this offense, especially now that the Panthers need to find a new signal caller. Although Johnson is an important part of the offense's plans early in the year, he won't want to wait.

These are moments that Morgan and head coach Dave Canales simply have to take advantage of. Otherwise, Panthers fans will be stuck in misery with no real optimism for the 2024-25 season.

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