Panthers Reportedly Trading 5-Time Pro Bowler Trai Turner to Chargers for Russell Okung in Bizarre Swap
By Adam Weinrib
The Panthers and Chargers are poised to swap stalwart linemen when the official league year begins, but we're not exactly sure what motivated Carolina to pursue this.
Per reports, veteran OT Russell Okung is headed to Charlotte in exchange for 26-year-old, five-time Pro Bowl offensive lineman Trai Turner. It will be processed at the start of the league year in a few weeks, if all goes well with corresponding medicals, details, and the like.
The deal is tentatively agreed to and is expected to be processed at the start of the league year: The #Chargers are trading LT Russell Okung to the #Panthers in exchange for standout OL Trai Turner, sources say. A swap of big-time OLs. Nothing is final until it’s official.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 4, 2020
Even when we heard Turner's name leak into trade talks, we didn't believe he stood a chance of moving, but that's what rebuilding teams do, when faced with an asset crunch. Hey, look on the bright side -- at least it's not Christian McCaffrey?
Under an entirely different party of ruling elites, way back in 2017, Turner signed a four-year, $45 million extension, and has missed nine games over the course of three seasons. Even if you take that flimsy excuse for his departure at face value, it's clear Matt Rhule and Co. value him differently, or they're simply inclined to ship off any non-face-of-the-franchise types who aren't tied down.
One more reason why Carolina wants OT Russell Okung: Panthers OL coach Pat Meyer worked for the Chargers from 2017-2019, and he has been pushing Carolina to trade for his former left tackle.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 4, 2020
On the other hand, Okung, 31, suffered a pulmonary embolism just last summer, and comes with serious health concerns attached. We hope his marriage in Carolina is a fruitful one, but this is flat-out bizarre.