NFL Rumors: Carolina Panthers not interested in Hakeem Nicks

The Carolina Panthers have some open roster spots at wide receiver after the team released Steve Smith and saw Ted Ginn and Domenik Hixon sign with the Arizona Cardinals and Chicago Bears, respectively.

Furthermore, the team may lose free agent Brandon LaFell which as led to speculation that former North Carolina Tar Heels standout receiver Hakeem Nicks could return home, but according to Pro Football Talk, the Panthers have shown zero interest in the Charlotte native.

Panthers general manager Dave Gettleman was the Pro Personnel Director when Nicks was the first round pick of the New York Giants in the 2009 draft, so if anyone knows the red flags of Nicks, it’s Gettleman.

Nicks looked like one of the game’s next great wide receivers after back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons and a total of 18 touchdowns from 2010-2011, but he has been dogged by injuries, drops and inconsistency in the last two seasons. Nicks was shut out of the end zone last year when he had 56 receptions and 896 yards.

For the last two seasons he has averaged 56 receptions and 794 yards and has only three touchdowns since he had seven in 2011.

Nicks could still appear on the Panthers radar, but it may have to be patient and accept a one-year deal.