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NFL Trade Machine: Jared Abbrederis to Carolina

By Erik Lambert

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Nov 16, 2013; Madison, WI, USA; Wisconsin Badgers wide receiver Jared Abbrederis (4) rushes for a touchdown during the third quarter against the Indiana Hoosiers at Camp Randall Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

It couldn’t have been much worse news for the Carolina Panthers in the second week of preseason.  In a season filled with Super Bowl aspirations, their offense took a crippling hit when second-year receiver Kelvin Benjamin went down with a torn ACL.

Considering he had over 1,000 yards and nine touchdowns as a rookie, there was no telling what Benjamin and quarterback Cam Newton could’ve accomplished in 2015.  Now suddenly their entire passing offense is in trouble.  At present the only credible receiving option on the roster is tight end Greg Olsen.  Rookie receiver Devin Funchess has talent but lacks any sort of polish and the remaining options include Corey Brown, Jerricho Cotchery and Tedd Ginn Jr.

Hardly an intimidating array of weapons.

Free agency might offer some options including long-time veteran Reggie Wayne, but he’s 36-years old.  What it comes down to is how much of a risk are the Panthers willing to take to improve and how big a price are they willing to pay?  Demanding on that answer, one name they should think about investigating is Jared Abbrederis.

At present he is battling a concussion issue, the second notable injury the former Wisconsin receiver has suffered since entering the pros.  It makes it easy to forget how good a player he was coming out of college.

While not the most explosive of pass catchers, he was known for his sound route running, body control and reliable hands.  Not to mention a decent 6’2″ frame.  These bouts with injury make him a risk, but when he gets on the field he just always seems to be open or making a great catch in tight coverage.

Given the deep roster of receivers the Green Bay Packers have, Abbrederis looks like he might be on his way out.  That could make him a cheap trade option for a team willing to take a chance that his health problems simmer down.  It isn’t the ideal solution for the Panthers, but it at least gives them more flexibility both in the short and long-term.

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