NFL Rumors: Carolina Panthers to target receivers in free agency and draft

The Carolina Panthers became the surprise team of the 2013 season, going from 1-3 to 12-4 and the second best team in the conference. But while they turned things around last season, there is still plenty of room for improvement and the team will be speeding the offseason bolstering the offensive side of the ball.

Defense carried the Panthers to the No. 2 seed in the NFC, but their offense still needs some work and that has the team looking at wide receiver options for Cam Newton. According to Panthers beat writer David Newton, the free agent pool of 2014 is too good for the Panthers not to dip their toe into.

"Regardless of what happens in free agency, there’s too much talent at wide receiver for Carolina not to use at least one of its first two or three draft picks on one. Brandon LaFell didn’t overly impress as a No. 2 receiver the past few years. The Panthers are looking for, as Rivera said at the combine, a “dynamic” receiver who sooner or later can replace Smith."

Newton points out that a guy like Eric Decker is possible but highly unlikely given the price tag he’ll carry. Still, the Panthers will be looking at another target for Newton and that could come in free agency or more likely through a nice draft pick in May.