Notes: Carolina Panthers the latest team to explore trade-down options

Add the Carolina Panthers to the list of teams considering a trade down.

On Tuesday afternoon, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported that the Panthers have had conversations with other teams about sliding down in the draft from their current position: the eighth overall spot.

This, alone, isn’t much news. Teams test the waters around this time of year to be more prepared when the NFL Draft rolls around next week. But it is particularly interesting news when it comes to the Panthers, a team that could directly affect the Detroit Lions in the draft. Considering they were entering the offseason needing a quarterback, the Lions were in a power spot for a potential trade down themselves.

While there are rumors that they may still be interested in taking a quarterback with their first-round pick, the Panthers recently traded for Sam Darnold so that seems unlikely. If their discussions of trading back are serious enough, that may be a sign that they’re completely out on this year’s quarterback market.

Again, though, the Panthers are just one of many top-tier teams that have reportedly discussed trade down options. The Falcons (Pick 4), Dolphins (Pick 6) Lions (Pick 7), Broncos (Pick 9) and Giants (Pick 11) are all among the rumored teams attempting to trade down.

To be fair, there are some teams reportedly looking to trade up, too—including some that are also exploring trade down options. Per Albert Breer, the Broncos (9) and Eagles (12) are potentially interested in moving up, while other teams like the Patriots (15) and Bears (20) make sense as possible targets.

At this point, it’s fair to say that almost every team is exploring their options, and for many of them, it involves calling other teams to gauge interest and price of a potential trade. It’s probably nothing to get too worked up over yet.

• Justin Rogers of the Detroit News graded the Lions’ 2018 draft, which actually turned out to not be horrible. Still, there were some clear misses.

• More from Rogers: A nice breakdown of the cornerback options for the Lions in the draft, from first-round talent to potential nickel corners in Day 2 and 3. (Subscription required)

• If you’re feeling a bit nostalgic, here’s Darius Slay explaining to Terrell Owens why practicing with Calvin Johnson made him a better cornerback:

• Must-read story from The Athletic about how Chris Spielman and his brother Rick grew up as competitive siblings and now must face off as divisional foes.

• Former Lions quarterback Dan Orlovsky thinks the team will pick a defensive or offensive lineman in the first round over a quarterback or receiver.

• Congratulations to the luckiest team in the NFL: The Detroit Lions: