Report: Panthers to add veteran receiver via trade
The Carolina Panthers are expected to add a veteran receiver once the new league year begins…
Carolina Panthers general manager Marty Hurney wasted little time after being assigned the interim general manager role last year, immediately making moves to tweak the roster. He initially extended guard Trai Turner and eventually traded a former first-round, wide receiver in Kelvin Benjamin.
The move opened up a rather stagnant Panthers offense but left franchise quarterback Cam Newton without a significant receiving threat, especially down the field. The loss of speedster Ted Ginn became apparent in addition to playing a majority of the season without his most consistent receiving option – tight end Greg Olsen.
In an effort to remedy the woes on offense and especially at wide receiver, Hurney is looking at executing another trade. While nothing can be deemed official until the new league year begins on March 14, ESPN NFL insider Adam Schefter is reporting the Panthers have agreed to a trade with the Philadelphia Eagles for veteran wide receiver Torrey Smith.
And another CB deal:
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 9, 2018
Panthers trading CB Daryl Worley to Eagles in exchange for WR Torrey Smith, sources tell ESPN.
Trades continue....
More from Cat Crave
- Ranking the top-five QB prospects the Panthers could draft in 2023
- 4 remaining Carolina Panthers cap crunches after Damien Wilson release
- Could Duce Staley help Carolina Panthers land Jamaal Williams in 2023?
- How much could the Carolina Panthers afford to offer Lamar Jackson?
- 4 Panthers rumors to emerge from 2023 NFL Scouting Combine
Carolina will give up third-year cornerback Daryl Worley, who spent a majority of last season in a position battle with Kevon Seymour. Eventually, it appeared Worley won the role but he was targeted considerably by opposing quarterbacks playing opposite James Bradberry. Hurney obviously feels that either Seymour can be the full time starter or is planning on making another move to fill the void left open from Worley’s departure.
The addition of Smith on offense brings a proven veteran on board for Newton and inside the wide receiver room to help mentor an extremely young unit. Russell Shepard and Brenton Bersin are the most seasoned receivers currently on the roster with just five and four years of experience. Smith has seven years of NFL experience with the Baltimore Ravens and San Francisco 49ers before spending last season as a member of the Philadelphia Eagles.
Though he recorded only two touchdowns last season, Smith started 14 games for the Eagles and played a significant role on offense. The former second-round pick is a two-time Super Bowl champion and should flourish in new offensive coordinator Norv Turner’s scheme.
Next: Panthers NFL Combine Prospects Performances
If not, the corresponding move to replace Worley will be questioned considerably, but for now it appears Hurney is on a mission to put his imprint on the Panthers current roster.