On Wednesday, the San Diego Chargers completed a trade with the Miami Dolphins, acquiring veteran wide receiver Chris Chambers for a second-round draft pick in 2008.

   The Panthers were never a player in the trade negotiations for Chambers -- and there's a part of me that's a little disappointed about that.

   Hear me out.

   I don't think anyone can argue the Panthers are in dire need of a No. 2 receiver as four-year veterans Keary Colbert and Drew Carter and rookies Dwayne Jarrett and Ryne Robinson have shown no signs of stepping up and becoming "the guy" who can take pressure off Steve Smith. Colbert has shown flashes, but drops too many balls and other times disappers completely. Carter has dropped off the face of the earth, while Jarrett appears trapped in the rookie doghouse and can't seem to make it on the field. Robinson? He's active, but only because of his ability as a returner. 

   So in that aspect, I think Chambers would fill an immediate need.

   However, the Panthers are looking at this in terms of long term value. Despite all of the negative publicity Jarrett is getting these days, the Panthers still think he can play. They don't think he's another Eric Shelton. (God, let's hope not). And second, they view their draft picks -- especially first-day draft picks -- as precious commodities. And, I agree, a second rounder is a lot to give up for a receiver. Think of it this way, the Patriots acquired Randy Moss from the Oakland Raiders for a fourth-round pick in the off-season.

   On the other hand, isn't there something to be said for acquiring proven talent for a draft pick? Here's what I mean.

   What exactly have the Panthers done with their second-round picks anyway? I hate to drudge up their draft history again, but in the John Fox era here is what the Panthers have gotten in return for their second round picks -- Jarrett and Ryan Kalil (2007), cornerback Richard Marshall (2006), Shelton (2005), Colbert (2004), guard Bruce Nelson (2003) and running back DeShaun Foster (2002). Of those, only Marshall and Foster have proved to be consistent contributors.

   So again, I ask, isn't it worth acquiring a player who you know can help you right away -- even if it means pulling the trigger on a second-round pick?

   In case you're wondering about Chambers' age, he's 29. He's in his seventh NFL season and has only missed two games since coming into the league. He's shown outstanding pass-catching ability despite never having played with a decent quarterback. Like Smith, he plays the game with a bit of a chip on his shoulder.

   My guess is he'll be a star in San Diego.

   He wouldn't have put up the same numbers here in Carolina, but he sure would have been a nice complement to Smith.

   I don't know, part of me says the Panthers should have pursued Chambers. I can fully understand why they didn't, but man, I think that's a tough one to pass on. What do you think?