Jaguars Trade CJ Henderson to Panthers

CJ Henderson in 2019
CJ Henderson in 2019. Photo by Scott Kinser/CSM/Shutterstock (10450734k)

The Jacksonville Jaguars have lost their patience with corner CJ Henderson, the ninth overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft, sooner than anyone expected. The team announced on Monday that they have traded Henderson to the Carolina Panthers in exchange for veteran tight end Dan Arnold.

The deal reportedly also includes a pick swap. The Jags will receive a third-round selection and will send Carolina a fifth-rounder.

The Jaguars selected Henderson with the hopes of filling the void that was left by the exit of All-Pro corner Jalen Ramsey. The Florida product ended up playing eight games in his rookie season, managing 36 tackles with one interception, six passes defended, and one forced fumble. This, however, wasn’t enough for Jacksonville, as they reportedly already started shopping him in the offseason.

Henderson played two games in 2021 before missing Week 3 due to a groin injury. The injury isn’t expected to keep him sidelined for too long.

According to reports, the Panthers held Henderson in high regard ahead of the 2020 draft and jumped on the opportunity to add him one year later. Carolina was already on the lookout for a cornerback addition after rookie Jaycee Horn suffered a broken foot in Week 3 win over the Houston Texans. Horne could be out for the season, making Henderson’s addition even more important for the franchise.

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