Carolina sent linebacker Denzel Perryman and a 2022…
Carolina sent linebacker Denzel Perryman and a 2022 seventh-round pick to Las Vegas for a 2022 sixth-rounder. The Panthers eventually used that sixth on offensive lineman Cade Mays, but Perryman immediately became a centerpiece of the Raiders' defense, posting a career season and earning Pro Bowl recognition in 2021. That immediate high-level production gives Las Vegas the stronger return despite Carolina landing a useful later pick.
Carolina Panthers Received
- pick 2022 6th round pick (199th overall, Cade Mays)
Las Vegas Raiders Received
- player Denzel Perryman
- pick 2022 7th round pick (227th overall subsequently traded, Nick Muse )
Trade Analysis
What Changed Hands
Las Vegas acquired linebacker Denzel Perryman and a 2022 seventh-round pick from Carolina for a 2022 sixth-round selection. Carolina later used the sixth, No. 199 overall, on offensive lineman Cade Mays. The Raiders' seventh-round asset was later moved, so the heart of the exchange is Perryman's immediate impact versus the future depth Carolina gained.
Why the Value Separated
Perryman quickly justified the Raiders' investment. He stepped into a major defensive role, set a career high in tackles and earned Pro Bowl recognition during the 2021 season. Getting that level of starting linebacker production for the difference between a sixth- and seventh-round pick is outstanding value, especially for a team trying to compete immediately.
How the Deal Aged
Carolina did recover useful value. Mays developed into an NFL offensive lineman and gave the Panthers a young, inexpensive roster piece. That keeps the grade from falling too far. Still, Carolina had already acquired Perryman earlier in the offseason and moved him before he produced for the team, while Las Vegas benefited from his best season almost immediately.
Final Verdict
The Raiders earn a B+ because they purchased a Pro Bowl-caliber season and additional service at minimal draft cost. Carolina receives a C+ because the sixth-round return became a useful player, but the Panthers gave away the best proven performance in the transaction. The gap is not enormous, yet Las Vegas clearly extracted more immediate and identifiable football value. That imbalance is especially notable because the draft-capital difference between the two sides was only one late round.