Carolina Panthers should trade for New York Giants WR Hakeem Nicks

The NFL trading deadline is two weeks away, and a number of teams are one or two players away at key positions from possibly taking the next step. For some, that next step is becoming a playoff contender. For others, that next step is becoming a legitimate Super Bowl contender.

The Carolina Panthers are still a year or two and a number of players away from becoming the latter, but they could be one player away from ascending into the postseason for the first time in the Cam Newton-era. Another receiver to compliment and eventually replace the aging Steve Smith is that one player, and according to Jason La Canfora ofCBSSports, teams are beginning to express  interest in a possible trade for Hakeem Nicks and what the New York Giants want in return:

"Teams view Nicks as the best option available and with the Giants in a freefall, big changes possibly on the way there, and Nicks a potential unrestricted free agent at the end of the season, other general managers want to hear for themselves just how amenable to a trade Giants GM Jerry Reese might be. Several GMs contacted believed the Giants could get at least a third-round pick for Nicks, even if he is just a late-season “rental” who then hits the open market in March."