Jerricho Cotchery (89) grimaces after an apparent injury suffered against the Cleveland Browns during the third quarter at Heinz Field. The Pittsburgh Steelers won 20-7. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
I don’t think I’m the only one scratching my head at Dave Gettleman’s second offseason with the Carolina Panthers, because he hasn’t filled the team’s gaping holes at CB, WR, or OT. In fact, he made the wide receiver position a laughingstock on paper right now by not re-signing Brandon LaFell (the New England Patriots beat the Panthers and a couple of other interested teams to the punch) or Ted Ginn Jr. The Panthers also, of course, released franchise icon Steve Smith, and they don’t have legitimate pass-catcher on their roster outside of star TE Greg Olsen.
The Panthers are looking into their first outside free agent at the position, as the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review’s Mark Kaboly reports that they will host former Steelers veteran wide receiver Jerricho Cotchery on a visit tomorrow. This team is desperate for a wide receiver, and they need to do whatever they can to sign Cotchery to a reasonable offer.
Cotchery is 31 but is still productive, as he hauled in 46 passes for 602 yards as the Steelers No. 3 wideout last season, and he most notably hauled in ten touchdown catches as a sneaky-great red zone target. Those totals may be fluky, but Cotchery also came up big on third downs and is a reliable veteran receiver who can move the chains and play in the slot. The Panthers aren’t the only team interested in Cotchery, and he would be a great fit for them. And well, you know, they don’t really have anything at the position on their roster right now.