Panthers: Potential free agent wide receiver targets

The Carolina Panthers have potential at wide receiver, but a veteran free agent could help next season…

While the Carolina Panthers have recently drafted a few wide receivers, three within the first two picks over three of the last four years, none have emerged as true game changers. Just this past season, interim general manager Marty Hurney parted ways with former first-round draft pick Kelvin Benjamin midyear.

The move was shocking but appeared to open up the Panthers offense and led to the emergence of Devin Funchess as the team’s number one wide receiver. Although there remains untapped potential from the core group of receivers, quarterback Cam Newton desperately needs a receiver who can stretch the field to help him and the offense move the football more consistently.

New offensive coordinator Norv Turner is expected to enhance the performance but without the right pieces in place this group will continue to struggle. After an explosive 2015 season, in which Newton earned league MVP honors, the group has failed to produce similar results.

With youth presently on the roster, adding a veteran receiver who is already established in the NFL or set for a break out season could be a game changer for Turner and the offense. If so, the Panthers should consider one of the following options when the free agent signing period begins.