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Jaguars give up on CJ Henderson, the No. 9 overall pick of 2020 draft, trade him to Panthers

Cornerback CJ Henderson wore out his welcome with the Jacksonville Jaguars as fast as a top-10 pick possibly can.

Henderson was the ninth pick of the draft just a year ago. He started eight games as a rookie, two more in his second season, and now he's being traded to the Carolina Panthers for pennies on the dollar.

The Panthers gave up tight end Dan Arnold and a third-round draft pick for Henderson and a fifth-round selection.

That's not much return for a player who was the No. 9 overall pick ahead of some good players just 17 months ago.

Jaguars give up on top-10 pick

The Jaguars could have gotten offensive line help with Jedrick Wills, Mekhi Becton or Tristan Wirfs. They could have landed a receiver like CeeDee Lamb, Henry Ruggs III or Jerry Jeudy. Defensive tackle Javon Kinlaw or cornerback AJ Terrell could have helped the defense.

CJ Henderson (23) was traded from Jacksonville to Carolina. (Photo by David Rosenblum/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
CJ Henderson (23) was traded from Jacksonville to Carolina. (Photo by David Rosenblum/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

Instead, the Jaguars got 10 games out of Henderson.

Henderson was a big, rangy cornerback out of Florida, and the team thought he could help replace Jalen Ramsey, who was traded to the Los Angeles Rams. The Jaguars have been trying to trade Henderson since the offseason, and he was inactive Sunday.

The Panthers lost cornerback Jaycee Horn, their first-round draft pick, to a foot injury on Thursday night. Henderson comes with baggage, considering Jacksonville is dumping him three weeks into his second season. But the Jags gave up very little for a talented player. Arnold had seven catches for 84 yards.

Henderson should be a player the 0-3 Jaguars are building around. Instead, the Panthers hope he helps them make a playoff push.