4 worst free-agent signings in Carolina Panthers’ history

Carolina Panthers Player No. 4: Jerricho Cotchery (WR)

Wide receiver Jerricho Cotchery was on a hiding to nothing from the moment he joined the Carolina Panthers. The organization decided to part ways with legendary figure Steve Smith during the 2014 offseason, and the former New York Jet arrived looking to fill the No. 1 void.

Cotchery was nothing more than a No. 3 option on the Jets and the Pittsburgh Steelers before arriving in Carolina. And although he came with some nice moments. He was unable to take the expected leap forward and become a prolific option for Cam Newton.

The player hauled in just 48 of 78 targets thrown his way in 2014. This resulted in Cotchery securing 580 yards and one touchdown.

Things did not get any better for Cotchery the following campaign. He was targeted 54 times, collecting 39 receptions for 485 yards and three scores. This was not enough for the Panthers to give the wideout another shot in 2016, and the player never saw another down in the NFL.

Cotchery found it difficult to become a reliable contributor playing in the wake of Smith. He might have an NFC Championship and Super Bowl appearance to show from his spell with the organization. But it is hard to deny that this was a swing and a miss from the Panthers.