Carolina Panthers Encouraged to Monitor Rising Ravens Defender Closely as Potential Trade or Scheme Fit Before Training Camp Begins
As NFL training camps approach and rosters begin to take final shape, rumors and speculation are heating up across the league—and one of the more intriguing suggestions making waves involves a surprising inter-conference connection. The Carolina Panthers, a team in the midst of a defensive overhaul under new leadership, are reportedly being urged by analysts and league insiders to keep close tabs on an emerging Baltimore Ravens defender whose future in Baltimore may be more fluid than expected.
The defender in question—whose name has yet to be formally released in any trade rumors but is widely believed to be a second- or third-year player caught in a logjam of talent—has drawn praise for his athletic potential, versatility, and upside. Multiple NFL scouts and media figures have speculated that Carolina, which continues to explore upgrades at several defensive positions, could benefit greatly from acquiring such a player, especially as their training camp roster remains in flux.
The Ravens, one of the most talented and deepest defensive units in the NFL, have an abundance of young players at key positions—edge rush, safety, and linebacker especially—making it a real possibility that a promising talent may become available via trade or waiver. With Baltimore continuing to operate in a “win-now” window, especially following their 13-4 finish in 2024 and another playoff push, the team may be open to moving certain players who simply lack a path to meaningful snaps this season.
Carolina’s situation could align perfectly. Under new head coach Dave Canales and defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero, the Panthers are retooling their defensive identity around speed, flexibility, and youth. Following the departure of veteran linebackers and question marks surrounding depth at key spots like slot corner and hybrid linebacker-safety roles, the team is expected to evaluate every possible option during the early weeks of training camp. That includes external talent who may not fit elsewhere but could thrive in Evero’s creative, aggressive 3-4 scheme.
Analysts point to several potential fits. One such possibility is Ravens linebacker/safety hybrid Brandon Stephens, a player who has shown flashes of playmaking ability but finds himself behind established starters like Kyle Hamilton, Roquan Smith, and Marcus Williams. Stephens has been praised for his football IQ, size, and tackling ability—traits that would translate well in Carolina’s defensive backfield, especially in sub-packages or as a versatile coverage piece.
Another name floated is edge rusher David Ojabo, the 2022 second-round pick who continues to recover and develop following a devastating pre-draft Achilles injury. Ojabo has elite traits—quick first step, bend, and a relentless motor—but Baltimore’s depth on the edge, including Odafe Oweh, Kyle Van Noy, and a surging rookie class, could limit his reps. If the Ravens view Ojabo as a longer-term project rather than an immediate contributor, and Carolina is willing to buy low, the fit could make sense for both sides.
For Carolina, the key is maximizing value while building depth. They already made a big move by selecting edge defender D.J. Johnson and linebacker Trevin Wallace in the draft, but both are unproven at the pro level. The Panthers also need immediate contributors who can help lift a defense that ranked near the bottom of the league in third-down efficiency, takeaways, and red zone stops last season. Adding a young, hungry defender with something to prove could be a critical addition.
NFL Network’s Daniel Jeremiah recently commented on the situation, saying, “There’s going to be a bottleneck in Baltimore. They’ve got too many guys and not enough snaps to go around. A team like Carolina that’s young, aggressive, and trying to find their identity on defense should absolutely be calling about a guy who just needs reps and trust.”
Meanwhile, ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler listed Carolina as one of his “sleeper” teams to make a preseason trade, citing their cap space, draft capital, and willingness to shake things up. “The Panthers have nothing to lose and everything to gain,” Fowler wrote. “They’re not married to the previous regime’s roster structure. That makes them dangerous in a good way.”
Baltimore, for its part, has historically been very deliberate when it comes to trades. General manager Eric DeCosta has shown a willingness to move players if the price is right, but he’s also protective of the team’s depth. That said, Baltimore’s front office also knows that injuries are inevitable, and holding onto valuable depth—even if it means limiting playing time for young players—is often viewed as the safer move. If a team like Carolina were to come in with a strong offer—say, a mid-round draft pick or a player-for-player swap—it could tilt the scales.
One possible catalyst for a deal could be preseason injuries. If Carolina suffers a setback at linebacker or safety during camp, the urgency to bring in help would skyrocket. Likewise, if Baltimore identifies a need at wide receiver or backup offensive line, a trade could serve both teams well. In recent years, we’ve seen similar swaps across conferences that help address mutual needs while giving players new opportunities to shine.
Beyond the football logistics, there’s also the chemistry factor. Carolina’s locker room is filled with young, moldable talent. Adding a player from a championship-caliber locker room like Baltimore’s would bring immediate professionalism and leadership. Ravens players are known for their accountability and preparation, qualities the Panthers are trying to instill as they rebuild. A young Raven with a chip on his shoulder and untapped potential could be exactly the spark Carolina needs.
As training camp looms, both franchises are in very different stages of their development. The Ravens are aiming for a Super Bowl, while the Panthers are hoping to climb back to respectability after a brutal 2024 campaign. But those differences may actually make them ideal trade partners: one team with surplus talent, the other with a desire to gamble on upside.
Nothing has been confirmed, and as with most NFL rumors, the situation remains fluid. But the whispers are growing louder, and several league insiders insist there’s legitimate smoke around Carolina’s interest in Baltimore’s defensive depth. Whether that smoke turns into fire remains to be seen, but the logic is there—and so is the opportunity.
With training camp now just weeks away, this will be a storyline worth tracking. The Panthers don’t have to make a move, but if they want to take a bold step toward reshaping their defense, keeping close tabs on Baltimore’s roster is a strategic and potentially rewarding decision.
In a league where timing is everything, and one player can change the trajectory of a defense, the window may be opening for Carolina to make an aggressive play. And if that play involves a rising Ravens defender itching for a bigger role, both teams could come out ahead.
