Victor Cruz visits Carolina shortly after release

Shortly after being released by the Giants, Victor Cruz is visiting with the Carolina Panthers.

It’s been exactly a week since Victor Cruz was cut by the Giants and he is already looking for a new place to salsa next season.

According to NFL.com, Cruz visited Monday with the Carolina Panthers.

The Panthers are in need of another weapon for Cam Newton, and Cruz could fit that role just fine. With receivers Kelvin Benjamin and Devin Funchess already set, the longtime Giants receiver could be the piece that Carolina needs in the slot. Let’s not forget, their tight end Greg Olsen is pretty good too.

Who can forget when Cruz burst onto the scene as a 25-year old for Big Blue in 2011? Cruz saw great success there that included two seasons with over 80 catches and 1,000 yards. He also caught 25 touchdowns and made a Spanish dance famous.

In 2014, Cruz suffered a knee injury midway through the season that kept him out the rest of that year and the entire 2015 season. He returned to the field this past season, and it looked like he was still feeling the effects. In 2016, Cruz caught 39 balls for 586 yards and only one touchdown.

He is looking to make more noise next season, and maybe joining forces with former MVP Newton would help his case. The Panthers took a huge step back after their run to the Super Bowl just two years ago. The former NFC champs finished with a 6-10 record and struggled defensively and in the running game the entire season.

Next: Brandon Albert to the Jags for Julius Thomas?

Adding Cruz will give them another option offensively and some experience in the locker room. He could offer these young receivers a true veteran presence and show them how to become successful for a long time.

However, this is just a visit, and expect teams like Philadelphia, Baltimore and Tampa Bay to also make a run at Cruz.