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2016 NFL offseason needs: Carolina Panthers

By Charles Rahrig V

Feb 7, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton (1) reacts after the game against the Denver Broncos in Super Bowl 50 at Levi
Feb 7, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton (1) reacts after the game against the Denver Broncos in Super Bowl 50 at Levi /
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Jan 17, 2016; Charlotte, NC, USA; Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Jermaine Kearse (15) catches a three yard touchdown past Carolina Panthers cornerback Josh Norman (not pictured) in the fourth quarter during the NFC Divisional round playoff game at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 17, 2016; Charlotte, NC, USA; Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Jermaine Kearse (15) catches a three yard touchdown past Carolina Panthers cornerback Josh Norman (not pictured) in the fourth quarter during the NFC Divisional round playoff game at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports /

Free Agents to Target

Outside of retaining Josh Norman the Panthers desperately need to bolster their receiving core. The team will be getting Kelvin Benjamin back next season, and while the group behind Benjamin did a tremendous job in his absence there was a noticeable drop off.

Carolina needs to add another physical receiver that can make the tough catch. That man is Jermaine Kearse, the Seattle Seahawks receiver that is an unrestricted free agent.

While the Seahawks would like to retain Kearse, they have both a bevy of their own free agents and limited cap space. The wideout would be a perfect target for Newton in the slot, and by adding him the Panthers would be stealing a weapon from an NFC competitor. Kearse is used to quarterbacks that can make big things happen on the move and out of broken plays, so he would fit right in with the Panthers.

The Panthers could also use more pass rushers on the edge, but they could probably focus their draft attention toward that area. The draft is deep this year on defense and it’s a good time for the Panthers to bolster an already excellent defense.

Next: Draft Plan

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