Carolina Panthers

The Chicago Bears are officially trading the first-overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft to the Carolina Panthers, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network.

Fantasy Impact

The Panthers have been hunting for their franchise quarterback and after building a QB-friendly staff are getting their pick of the litter in the draft. The Panthers are moving No. 9, No. 61, a 2024 first, a 2025 second and WR DJ Moore to acquire the pick and are officially on the clock.

According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, the Carolina Panthers have hired Frank Reich as the team’s head coach for the 2023 season.

Fantasy Impact

The hiring of Reich means interim coach Steve Wilks will not return as the team’s head coach after a 6-6 finish to the year under his lead. Reich, despite being let go by the Indianapolis Colts, was successful in Indy and could quickly help out the team as they look for direction. Reich also has a history with the Panthers, playing quarterback for the organization.

Among many other candidates, the Carolina Panthers are expected to bring in Frank Reich and Jim Caldwell for interviews.

Fantasy Impact

The Panthers have been linked to Michigan's Jim Harbaugh and have an interim coach in Steve Wilks who found success, but they are expected to interview both Reich and Caldwell. Reich was fired by the Colts earlier this season, though he found success in Indianapolis in previous seasons. Caldwell last coached for the Detroit Lions where he had a 36-28 record.

The Panthers D/ST faded late Sunday, allowing 20 fourth quarter points while recording three sacks and recovering one fumble in a 30-24 Week 17 loss to the Buccaneers.

Fantasy Impact

The Panthers D/ST was unable to stop Tampa Bay quarterback Tom Brady late in the game, watching their late-game lead disappear as well as being eliminated from the playoffs Sunday. The unit will look to finish the season on a strong note against a mediocre New Orleans Saints offense on the road in Week 18.

The Carolina Panthers defense tallied two sacks and a fumble recovery while allowing 23 points in Saturday's 37-23 win over the Lions.

Fantasy Impact

It was a relatively quiet fantasy performance for the Carolina defense on Christmas Eve, but it was the sixth straight game where they held their opponent to less than 25 points. Next up is a matchup with Tampa Bay, one with major implications for the NFC South title race.