The Carolina Panthers have lost their biggest playmaker for the season in Kelvin Benjamin. The Panthers will now look to replace his production in various ways. One way the Panthers approach his season ending injury is to sign a veteran free agent wide receiver that can fit the Panther's offensive scheme. Most of these free agents are over 30 but still should have a season or two left in the tank.
Brandon Lloyd is a great deep threat. He was on some pretty terrible passing teams in his time in the NFL so some say give him a pass. He hit over 1,000 yards just one time in his career and got pretty close in 2012 with the New England Patriots.
Donnie Avery never hit 1,000 yards once; the closest he has gotten was in 2012 with the Indianapolis Colts. In that season he had 60 receptions for 781 yards and 3 touchdowns. He may not be the most explosive choice but he is 31.
Greg Little is 6'2 and only 26 years old, this makes for a promising target. Little has only been with 1 NFL team in his career, the Cleveland Browns. The Browns passing game can make any wide receiver fall out of the league which has been pretty clear the past few seasons. If the Panthers want some youth with a veteran's edge they should look to Little.
Wes Welker is 34 and has been a little banged up these last few seasons. Welker started his career with the Chargers but spent most of his time with the New England Patriots. Welker has five 1,000 plus yard seasons under his belt and has five seasons where he has hauled in over 100 receptions. Concussions have seemingly put him on the shelf in recent years but if Welker feels as if he can play the Panthers should work him out.
Reggie Wayne at 36 is probably the most decorated of all of these vets. Wayne has posted eight 1,000+ yard seasons, hitting double digit touchdowns 3 times. He was a member of the Indianapolis Colts for his entire career. He has been hit with injuries as he has entered the twilight of his career but should be do for one final productive season.
Realistically the Panthers should sign all of these guys if they want to try to replicate Benjamin's production.
