Green Bay Packers wide receiver James Jones (89) is tackled by Chicago Bears free safety Chris Conte (47) during the second half at Soldier Field. Green Bay won 33-28. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports
The Carolina Panthers are desperate for wide receiver help, because they don’t even have a legitimate wide receiver on their roster after choosing to release franchise icon Steve Smith and failing to re-sign Brandon LaFell (chose the New England Patriots yesterday after the Panthers finally starting negotiating with him), Ted Ginn Jr. (Arizona Cardinals), and No. 4 wideout Domenik Hixon (Chicago Bears). It’s crazy how the Panthers lost all of their top four wide receivers, and Dave Gettleman needs to start scrambling for replacements, otherwise Cam Newton could have a rough 2014 season.
It was reported earlier today that the Panthers will host Pittsburgh Steelers veteran wideout Jerricho Cotchery on a visit tomorrow, and he had a nice 2013 season as the Steelers WR3 with a whopping ten touchdown receptions at the top of his resume.
The top free agent wideout is former Green Bay Packers receiver James Jones, who has had a quieter market than expected. While the Packers don’t seem to be in the race to sign him, it looks like the New York Jets are a team worth watching for. The Panthers have also shown minor interest, but they would be crazy not to ramp up their interest in him, especially after what the WR recently said about the organization and Cam Newton.
Jones said to ESPN’s Josina Anderson in a phone interview, “I would love the opportunity to play for the Carolina Panthers. I would love to play with Cam (Newton).”
He’s making it clear that he wants to play for the Carolina Panthers, and they would be crazy not to add one of this offseason’s top FA wideouts, especially since they have absolutely nothing at the position and struck out on Hakeem Nicks a couple of days ago. Jones caught 59 passes for 817 yards and is a worthy WR2 in this league; the Panthers need to snag him and Cotchery if they can, but Jones should be a huge priority.