Carolina traded the 65th pick to the Jets for Nos. 72 and…
Carolina traded the 65th pick to the Jets for Nos. 72 and 157, then selected Trevin Wallace and Chau Smith-Wade while New York used No. 65 on Malachi Corley. Wallace and Smith-Wade developed into regular defensive contributors, combining for substantial 2025 playing time and production, while Corley's Jets tenure never gained traction. The Panthers received two useful defenders from one traded selection, creating a clear value edge.
Carolina Panthers Received
- pick 2024 3rd round pick (72nd overall, Trevin Wallace)
- pick 2024 5th round pick (157th overall, Chau Smith-Wade )
New York Jets Received
- pick 2024 3rd round pick (65th overall, Malachi Corley)
Trade Analysis
What Changed Hands
Carolina moved down seven spots in the third round of the 2024 draft, sending No. 65 to the Jets for Nos. 72 and 157. New York selected Malachi Corley at 65, while the Panthers took linebacker Trevin Wallace at 72 and cornerback Chau Smith-Wade at 157. The trade therefore became a clean comparison between one targeted receiver and two defensive prospects acquired by moving back.
How the Value Developed
Carolina's two selections both found meaningful roles. Wallace recorded 61 tackles and two sacks in 2025, while Smith-Wade recorded 56 tackles and an interception returned for a touchdown. Both players became regular parts of the Panthers defense rather than developmental roster depth. Corley, meanwhile, never established a significant role with the Jets and departed after limited production. Even before considering future seasons, the quantity and quality of Carolina's snaps already exceed the return New York received.
Why Carolina Gets the Edge
The strongest part of the Panthers' decision was that they did not have to move far. Dropping from 65 to 72 preserved access to a similar prospect tier while adding another fifth-round selection. That fifth-rounder then became a contributor rather than merely theoretical surplus. The Jets were paying for the right to secure a specific receiver, but the developmental outcome did not reward that urgency. Carolina converted patience into two defensive pieces with starting and rotational value.
Final Verdict
Carolina earns a B+ and the win. New York receives a C- because the move-up cost itself was modest, but the selected player failed to deliver enough value before leaving. The Panthers' ability to get two useful defenders from the exchange creates a clear hindsight advantage without requiring an exaggerated grade.