Carolina traded defensive tackle Kris Jenkins to the Jets for…
Carolina traded defensive tackle Kris Jenkins to the Jets for picks No. 67 and No. 141, selecting Charles Godfrey and Gary Barnidge. Jenkins delivered a dominant 2008 season in New York, earning Pro Bowl and second-team All-Pro honors, but knee injuries sharply shortened his later Jets impact. Godfrey became a long-term Panthers starter and Barnidge provided additional depth. The Jets won the peak; Carolina won the longevity, producing a balanced exchange.
Carolina Panthers Received
- pick 2008 3rd round pick (67th overall, Charles Godfrey)
- pick 2008 5th round pick (141st overall, Gary Barnidge)
New York Jets Received
- player Kris Jenkins
Trade Analysis
Why the Jets Wanted Jenkins
New York sent Carolina picks No. 67 and No. 141 for defensive tackle Kris Jenkins in February 2008. The Jets were moving toward a 3-4 defensive structure and wanted a massive, proven interior anchor. Carolina, meanwhile, converted a veteran with a substantial contract into two draft selections.
What Jenkins Gave New York
The first season was a major success. Jenkins started all 16 games in 2008, recorded 3.5 sacks and earned both Pro Bowl and second-team All-Pro recognition. His presence transformed the middle of the Jets' front. The problem was durability afterward: knee injuries limited him to six games in 2009 and only one in 2010. New York received an elite peak, but not the multi-year run that seemed possible after his debut season.
What Carolina Built
The Panthers used No. 67 on safety Charles Godfrey and No. 141 on tight end Gary Barnidge. Godfrey became a long-term secondary starter, appearing in 82 games for Carolina and starting 75. Barnidge played 63 Panthers games and contributed as a reserve tight end and special-teams player before his later breakout in Cleveland. Carolina therefore turned one veteran into significant roster longevity at two positions.
Why This Trade Still Matters
This deal is difficult to judge with a simple peak-versus-peak comparison. The Jets received the best individual season in the transaction, while Carolina accumulated far more seasons and starts.
Final Verdict
Even Trade. The Jets and Panthers each receive B+ grades. Jenkins' 2008 dominance justified New York's price, and Godfrey's long starting tenure plus Barnidge's depth value justified Carolina's decision to move the veteran.