The Carolina Panthers are looking for a big season after giving Cam Newton a financial, long-term nudge of support. With the quarterback wrapped up for seasons to come, the Panthers are now focused on capitalizing on the playoff trip of last season. However, the one thing that could get in the way is injuries as doubt remains around Carolina's top receiver.
Kelvin Benjamin has been a headline this offseason and not for the right reason. After an up and down rookie year, the wide receiver was criticized for reporting to OTAs over weight and then injured his hamstring as a result. Head coach Ron Rivera told the Associated Press that Benjamin is expected to be fully healthy come training camp along with being at his playing weight. He told the media that the receiver would be fully ready to go and that the weight and injury issues were "much ado about nothing."
There are questions regarding whether or not the Panthers did enough to upgrade their receiving group in the offseason especially with Benjamin dealing with injury issues. The second-year pro along with Devin Funchess and tight end Greg Olsen certainly create a dynamic group for Newton, but after that there are question marks. Tedd Ginn Jr joins the team while Jerricho Cotchery returns, but would the Panthers be wise to sign another body?
The free agent market right now actually has some strong talent available. According to ESPN's Mike Wells, Reggie Wayne is getting a lot of looks on the market. The Panthers might have interest, but they already have steady veterans on the team. James Jones or Wes Welker might be the better options as they remain healthy and dynamic for the field. The Panthers have salary cap space and either of these three options would demand small contracts considering they are pressed for time with training camp right around the corner.
The Panthers could also use Cameron Artis-Payne as a receiver option, something he did often at Auburn. The rookie running back offers a nice bout of versatility to the rotation that features mainly down-field rushers like Jonathan Stewart and Fozzy Whittaker. The Panthers are entering 2015 with a good roster, but getting one more playmaker will not hurt.