With the NFL trade deadline just 19 days away and after a 3-2 start to the season, the Carolina Panthers could be buyers. No, a deadline deal won't be some blockbuster move for one of the league's biggest stars, but adding an instant starter who may need a fresh start is always on the table.

Carolina has a decent cushion at the top of the NFC South and already has a road division win against the Atlanta Falcons. There's clear belief in the building that another playoff push is imminent, so theres no reason Carolina can't buy into this season even more than they did in the offseason.

As for what area needs to be addressed, it's certainly not the offense, which currently ranks second in the NFL in yards per game. Bryce Young leads the NFL in passing yards per game , being the only QB to post over 300 per game.

That leaves the defense, which has been solid since the Week 1 disaster against the Chicago Bears, but with one clear area of vulnerability: cornerback .…