The Carolina Panthers suddenly have a need for wide receivers. After two full days of free agency, the Panthers are left with Greg Olsen as their most reliable target for quarterback Cam Newton. The Panthers said goodbye to their all-time leading receiver and another top threat, leaving them targeting two big names on the market.
Steve Smith is a free man. According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, the Panthers will release their long-time receiver on Wednesday. Smith leads the franchise in catches, yards and touchdowns, but was a salary cap casualty at the start of the offseason. Carolina had been shopping him in a trade, but most teams were aware that he would be released no matter what.
With Smith gone, so is Brandon LaFell. The receiver had been a strong rotational guy for the Pantehrs. He played four years with the franchise, starting all 16 games in 2013 while putting up 627 yards and five touchdowns. Carolina appears fine with letting him head into the market as LaFell has already paid a visit to the New England Patriots to start his free agency campaign.
So now that Carolina is officially in need of some deep threats, who is available? According to Joe Person of the Charlotte Observer, the Panthers top wide receiver choice is Hakeem Nicks. The former New York Giant has solid history in the Carolinas after being a star at the University of North Carolina. The Panthers are hoping a return home is something Nicks would be open to. The wide receiver recently told ESPN.com that Cam Newton was on his short list of quarterbacks he would like to play for.
"Ideally this is what I want," Nicks said, via ESPN.com. "I want to go to a team where I'm the missing link. There are a number of teams that I have my eye on once I hit the market. I know if I went to a place like Indianapolis, I would be dangerous with a quarterback like Andrew Luck. I can see myself catching passes from Cam Newton or even Philip Rivers."
Nicks is also reportedly open to playing for a shorter contract. The wide receiver had a down season in 2013 after once again facing several injuries. He failed to score a touchdown while only putting up 896 yards with New York. He told reporters that a high-priced, one-year deal is something he would consider.
If Nicks is not an option, Emmanuel Sanders could be a possible target. The former Pittsburgh Steeler is taking multiple visits just two days into free agency and the Panthers are expected to get one of their own. Sanders has talked to both Tampa Bay and Jacksonville already and is expected to a large contract from someone. The Panthers will have to be willing to pay big money to land him.
