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NFL Free Agency Rumors: Carolina Panthers may pursue signing Mario Manningham

By Josh Hill

Dec 8, 2013; San Francisco, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Mario Manningham (82) catches a pass before the start of the game against the Seattle Seahawks at Candlestick Park. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 8, 2013; San Francisco, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Mario Manningham (82) catches a pass before the start of the game against the Seattle Seahawks at Candlestick Park. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 8, 2013; San Francisco, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Mario Manningham (82) catches a pass before the start of the game against the Seattle Seahawks at Candlestick Park. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 8, 2013; San Francisco, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Mario Manningham (82) catches a pass before the start of the game against the Seattle Seahawks at Candlestick Park. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports /

The Carolina Panthers seemed to have purged themselves of every useful receiving target Cam Newton had in 2013, and it’s a move that has puzzled many around the NFL. While the idea seemed to be building a young corps through the draft, you would still need a veteran presence on the roster and that may be why the Panthers could chase after free agent receiver Mario Manningham.

According to Joe Persons and Jonathan Jones from the Charlotte Observer, the Panthers could target Manningham based on both their need at wide receiver and the history Manningham has with general manager Dave Gettleman.

Per the Charlotte Observer:

"One guy to keep an eye on is San Francisco free agent Mario Manningham, who is familiar with Panthers general manager Dave Gettleman from their time together with the Giants."

Gettleman helped bring Manningham into New York when he was drafted by the Giants, and that history may come into play. Manningham may end up going back to New York but the Panthers could make a play to make sure he diverts to Carolina and never leaves.

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