NFL fans wondered why the Panthers didn’t just trade for Lamar Jackson instead of the No. 1 pick

After making a blockbuster pre-draft trade with the Chicago Bears, the Carolina Panthers will likely start a new era with a young QB. Now armed with the No. 1 overall pick in April’s draft, Frank Reich and Co. can take whomever they want to start the franchise.

But given the haul Carolina surrendered, there was an underlying question on some folks’ minds Friday afternoon. Why would the Panthers trade D.J. Moore and a bevy of valuable draft picks for an unproven prospect rather than do the same for Lamar Jackson, a two-time Pro Bowler, and former MVP?

Jackson’s price at the moment — a fully-guaranteed contract and at least two first-round picks — is admittedly a lot. And it probably isn’t the most attractive selling point for a team that wants to start over. But it’s not like Jackson is the 39-year-old Aaron Rodgers.

He’s only 26! He has a lot of years left ahead of him! And the Panthers gave up a lot anyway for someone who hasn’t thrown a professional pass!

Carolina could’ve theoretically turned around and given the same deal to the Baltimore Ravens for Jackson. Instead, they’ll likely have a young QB to develop. We’ll see how their plan shakes out. For now, the NFL world wondered about the consequences.