Chiefs Trade $3M Playoff Star to Panthers in Bold Offseason Move

Kansas City, MO – March 30, 2025 | ESPN Staff

The Kansas City Chiefs might pull off a stunner this offseason, trading playoff-tested cornerback Jaylen Watson to the Carolina Panthers, per Last Word on Sports’ David Latham. Watson, a seventh-round gem from 2022, has been a clutch cog in KC’s secondary—but with his $3 million rookie deal expiring after 2025 and Kristian Fulton’s free-agent signing from the Chargers, the Chiefs could cash in.

Watson, 26, flashed brilliance in 2024 before a Week 7 ankle break against the 49ers derailed his breakout bid. Limited to six regular-season games, he still locked down a 53.6% completion rate and 75.3 passer rating on 28 targets. The Washington State alum roared back for the postseason, logging 166 snaps in KC’s run to Super Bowl LIX—only to fall 40-22 to the Eagles. Now, with Fulton and Trent McDuffie anchoring the corners, Watson’s a trade chip.

Latham pegs Carolina as the spot. “The Panthers’ offense is humming, but that defense—woof,” he wrote. “Jaycee Horn’s locked in with a fat extension, Mike Jackson’s back, but they still had the NFL’s worst D last year.” Watson won’t fix the leaky D-line, but he’d give Carolina a trio of legit starters in the secondary. Pair him with Horn and Jackson, and suddenly QB Bryce Young’s got breathing room to grow.

The price? Cheap. A mid-round pick could do it—no extension needed yet for Watson. Chiefs Kingdom’s split on X: “Trading Jaylen’s wild—dude’s a gamer!” one fan posted, while another shrugged, “Fulton’s here, picks matter.” GM Brett Veach has a knack for late-round gold—Watson’s proof—but with KC reloading post-Super Bowl, this could net draft ammo for April 24-26.

Panthers GM Dan Morgan should pounce if Veach blinks. Watson’s a low-risk swing with upside—Carolina’s D needs it bad.