The Carolina Panthers need another wide receiver. The team simply cannot get by with who they currently have on the roster following the loss of Kelvin Benjamin. While head coach Ron Rivera remains very optimistic the depth at the position, the Panthers would be very wise to add one more player. However, those options are beginning to grow thin as other teams suffer injuries and seek replacements. With the Patriots making a move on Reggie Wayne, will Carolina jump on Wes Welker?
According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, the Patriots brought in Wayne for a physical following injuries to both Julian Edelman and Brandon LaFell. The 36-year-old veteran has been sitting on the market despite stressing that he is healthy and can still compete for any team looking for help. If Wayne is taken off the market, the options get incredibly thin for the Panthers.
The other issue is that the Green Bay Packers officially lost Jordy Nelson to a torn ACL. The wide receiver went down in the team's second preseason game leaving a huge hole that needs to be filled. Right now, Welker is the best option for a team needing a wide receiver. He has stressed he is healthy and can still compete. Outside of Welker, Brandon Lloyd, Santana Moss and Robert Meachem are the best available.
Could a trade be an option for Carolina? While the Panthers would not give up much to acquire a receiver, they could capitalize on a trade or roster cuts to help with the loss of Benjamin. Players like Justin Hunter, Terrelle Pryor, Cordarrelle Patterson or even someone like Danny Amendola could all be available at the right price.
The Panthers have confidence in rookie Devin Funchess to step up as the No.1 guy this year. Currently nursing a hamstring injury, Funchess is being hyped as the Panthers best option to fill the void of Benjamin along with players like Jerricho Cotchery and Jarrett Boykin. With Greg Olsen at the tight end spot and Jonathan Stewart as the reliable running back, the Panthers might be right to have confidence. Funchess is aware that there is a lot of pressure on his shoulders to step up and help immediately.
"It was always my expectation for it to be a big year. It just so happened that occurred yesterday," Funchess said, via NFL.com. "So I guess everybody will expect more on my plate."
Funchess is an unknown at the moment. Drafted in the second round, he is certainly not as talented as Benjamin, but he will get all of the looks from Cam Newton heading into the year.
