Carolina Panthers to pursue WR Jeremy Maclin?

By Evan Massey | Feb 8, 2015

Dec 7, 2014; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver Jeremy Maclin (18) on the sidelines during the second half against the Seattle Seahawks at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey G. Pittenger-USA TODAY Sports /

The Carolina Panthers could pursue free agent wide receivers Jeremy Maclin and Torrey Smith this coming offseason, according to ESPN’s David Newton.

Cam Newton and the Carolina Panthers offense took a major hit this past season when the team chose to allow their top three wide receivers to leave last offseason. Steve Smith, Brandon LaFell, and Ted Ginn Jr. all found new homes, and the Panthers only brought in rookie Kelvin Benjamin to help replace them.

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According to ESPN’s David Newton, the Panthers could very well look to sign either Jeremy Maclin or Torrey Smith in free agency this coming offseason.

Either wide receiver would be a huge pickup for the Panthers, and would compliment Benjamin nicely. Maclin is obviously the better target if they can get him, but Smith would be a major upgrade over what they had this year as well.

Maclin came through with a huge season for the Philadelphia Eagles, catching 85 passes for 1,318 yards and 10 touchdowns. He signed a one-year deal last offseason to prove that he was still able to play at a high level after tearing his ACL the year before. Obviously he did prove that point, and he is set to cash in with a big payday this offseason.

Smith also had a big year, and was a perfect number-two option for the Baltimore Ravens alongside of Steve Smith. He caught 49 passes for 767 yards and 11 touchdowns on the season. Carolina isn’t necessarily looking for a deep-threat only, but that is what they’d be getting if they signed Smith.

All of that being said, both players are going to command a decent price on the open market this offseason. Carolina has some money to spend, so they shouldn’t allow their price tags to scare them away. Another wide receiver that would fit into the type of mold that the Panthers are looking for, is Green Bay Packers wide receiver Randall Cobb.

It will be interesting to see what Carolina ends up doing this offseason and whether or not they can bring in one of the better wide receivers. They certainly need to figure out a way to bring in help for Newton and the offense, and either of those two guys would be that support.

There are other targets that the Panthers could target as well, but these are two of the better options at an affordable price. Expect to see the Panthers be very aggressive on the free agent market, and it wouldn’t be surprising to see one of these two guys end up in Carolina.

[H/T ESPN]

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