Panthers Eye Jets' Andre Cisco Trade
ESPN's Aaron Schatz suggests Carolina pursue the New York Jets safety as the NFL trade deadline approaches.
Updated on Nov. 4, 2026 in Football
ESPN's Aaron Schatz has suggested the Carolina Panthers trade for New York Jets safety Andre Cisco. The proposal comes as the Panthers, who lost two straight games and fired defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero, sit under .500 but lead the NFC South entering Week 9.
Why it matters
Carolina has less than $1 million in cap space and has been without cornerbacks Jaycee Horn and Mike Jackson due to injuries. Cisco, who has eight career interceptions, would address a secondary that ranks 21st in DVOA against deep passes.
The Panthers hold less than $1 million in cap space, limiting their ability to absorb a contract. Cisco, 26, has recorded eight interceptions across his NFL career with Jacksonville and New York.
The players
Aaron Schatz
Aaron Schatz is an ESPN analyst known for his football statistics and the Football Outsiders DVOA metric.
Andre Cisco
Andre Cisco is a 26-year-old NFL safety who has played for the Jacksonville Jaguars and New York Jets.
The details
Schatz argued Cisco would be a definite help for Carolina, while Mike Kaye wrote that the Panthers need help at cornerback and on the offensive line. The Jets could send a veteran free safety in exchange for youth at the position, which would give sixth-round rookie Zakee Wheatley more time to develop.
Timeline
Nov. 10: NFL trade deadline.
Season Trajectory
With the trade deadline on November 10 and the Panthers leading a struggling NFC South, Carolina faces a narrow window to shore up its secondary. The move under discussion reflects how mid-season teams weigh veteran upgrades against developing young depth.
A Cisco trade would give Carolina's secondary an immediate veteran option for fantasy and depth-chart purposes. Fans tracking the Panthers' playoff path would see the deadline decision reshape their defense before the season's final stretch.
The takeaway
Mid-season trades often hinge on cap room and youth, and Carolina's tight budget makes any Cisco deal a test of how much it will give up. Watching the November 10 deadline will show whether the Panthers pursue depth at safety or stand pat.
What happens next
The NFL trade deadline falls on November 10, which sets the window for any Cisco deal.
Further reading
For more on the Panthers' roster moves, see Football coverage.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Heavy.
