We all remember Leno asking Hugh Grant "What were you thinking?" many years ago. Panthers fans who saw this team build to a playoff contender the past 2 years are asking the same thing. Their top 4 wide receivers have all gone to other teams: Ginn to the Cardinals, LaFell to the Patriots, Steve Smith to the Ravens, and Hixon is a Bear.
Steve Smith is at least in the conversation as a Hall of Fame candidate: 836 receptions, 12,197 yards, and 67 receiving TDs. Why not keep him? Even at 34 years of age, none of the other 3 could beat him out of his number 1 receiver spot. The fact is that inside the locker room he was more of a headache than a contributor. Injuries were taking their toll. He wasn't getting separation. It was time for the Panthers career leader in receptions, yards, and TDs to move on.
Brandon LaFell has had a ton of chances to shine with the Panthers in his career and just couldn't put it together. In his 4 seasons he never cracked 700 yards or 50 receptions and he dropped plenty of passes. How he got a 3 year contract from New England for $11 mil is beyond me. He never will be a number 2 receiver.
Hixon in 2012 looked like he was moving up the Giants depth chart with 39 catches and close to 600 yards. Moving to the Panthers seemed I am sure to most like a great opportunity, but 7 catches for the season on this roster means he was expendable.
Ginn appeared to have been revived as a viable receiver this season. He was able to use the blazing speed to get behind defenses for some long touchdowns. He is a feared return guy. It even appeared that the drops he had as a Dolphin were for the most part a thing of the past. Of the 4, to me this was the most surprising. He has the wheels, is 28 years old, and looked like he was ready to breakout as a solid #2 or #3 receiver. The $3.25 million a year the Cardinals paid for him is not outrageous and for a guy with his ability, a pretty good deal.
It was a foregone conclusion that Hakeem Nicks was certainly going to sign with the Panthers once the Giants waived him. Yet today he is a Colt in a situation where he can shine if he wants too. There are certainly questions running rampant about his desire, but sometimes teams put that out there to drive the price down. Either way, Carolina waited too long to make an effort to get him.
The fact is now they're gone. Tavarres King, Marvin McNutt, and Kealoha Pilares are your guys now. So now it's time to get familiar with them.
Tavarres King was drafted by the Denver Broncos last year in the 5th round. He was looked at possibly making the roster as the 4th receiver out of camp but ended up on the practice squad. At 6'1, 191, he was highly regarded by the Broncos, but when Von Miller came back last season, he was waived to make room. The Panthers quickly moved on getting him as the Packers were also interested in him. I think he has a great future ahead of him and could have a breakout year like Victor Cruz a couple years ago. He is only 23 and needs the experience but should now be working with Cam Newton the entire summer getting up to speed. The opportunity is there for him to jump on. I think he can take advantage of it.
Marvin McNutt is on his 3rd team in 2 seasons. Like King he has ZERO regular season receptions at the NFL level. At 6'3, 215 with 4.50 wheels he has the physical tools to play the position. He is thought of as more of a possession receiver than a deep threat. Nobody really knows. He will also be looking at a full summer of 1st team reps which can only help him become NFL ready. Even if they decide to draft a receiver he will still have a big role this season.
Kealoha Pilares has actual regular season receptions. Two. Yes two. 42 yards back in 2012. He was on injured reserve for all of 2013 with an ACL tear in preseason. He probably will vie with Kenjon Barner for kickoff and punt return duties. At 26, he is the oldest of the 3 but his injury history leaves alot of question marks for him.
Carolinas offense struggled mightily last season to produce points, averaging 22.1 a game, which ranked 19th in the league. Defensively, they ranked 2nd at 15.5. To even get close to the 12-4 record from last season, they need to address their offensive line and get a veteran receiver to show these inexperienced guys the way in my opinion. I can't see much better than 8 or 9 wins right now. It will take time to develop a brand new receiving corps and trust between them and Newton.
Thanks to rotoworld.com, teamrankings.com, and nfl.com for statistical information included in this article.
Comments are welcome.
UPDATE: March 30 5:00 pm
The Panthers have signed Jerricho Cotchery from the Steelers. He was a very dependable 3rd receiver for Pittsburgh last season, but realize he is 32 and truly not a number one option. He does provide a steady veteran presence sorely needed right now in Carolina. Tiquan Underwood has also been signed for two years at a low cost.
There are also rumors about the possibility of signing DeSean Jackson. The Eagles unloaded his $10.5 mil salary and the headaches that he creates. If Carolina were to land him, his fantasy value would take a pretty good hit, but it certainly would open up things for Cotchery and Underwood. Getting Jackson would give Cam the young stud receiver he has been sorely lacking. I don't see it happening because of salary cap issues and the huge need for offensive linemen.
Cam Newton is using this offseason to get his ankle completely repaired. He should be back for the start of training camp. The surgery is considered to be a complete success. He is one of the toughest quarterbacks in the league, so getting him back close to 100% will be a big plus. He will miss time working with his new array of wide receivers.
Fantasy wise, Greg Olsens stock is rising, probably to a level just below Gronk and Graham. Cotcherys value unless there are more moves is a little bit lower. He did a great job in Pittsburgh with 10 touchdowns last year. He also had Antonio Brown and Emmanuel Sanders divert alot of the attention. If Underwood can establish himself or they pick up another good receiver then Cotchery could gain some more fantasy value. It will be difficult to match the 10 touchdowns.
Tavarres King is a dynasty stash in 12 team and higher leagues until further notice. He has the ability and the wheels. Now he may have the opportunity. Grab him while you can.
Kevin Powell is a contributing writer for:
dynastynerds.com
fakepigskin.com
majorleaguefantasysports.com
dynastyfootballwarehouse.com
kpowell1962.blogspot.com
Email --kpowell1962@gmail.com
Twitter-- @kpowell1962
