Cam Newton likes to act like Superman, but even the Man of Steel needs the Justice League. Similarly, Newton needs some help on offense if the Carolina Panthers hope to make the playoffs again next season.
One obstacle standing in Carolina's way is a lack of salary cap space. The team is projected to have just under $16 million in cap room. But some financial finagling can always open up some extra space if the Panthers deem it necessary.
The Panthers could use some help at wide receiver and running back. Kelvin Benjamin impressed during his rookie season, but the rest of the WR corps is littered with question marks. Jerricho Cotchery will be 33 this year and Jason Avant has already been cut. Meanwhile, 2014 undrafted rookie Philly Brown impressed coaches but still must prove capable of being a consistent threat. At running back, the Panthers parted ways with DeAngelo Williams earlier this offseason and Jonathan Stewart remains a constant injury risk.
As a result, ESPN NFL Insider Matt Williamson believes that Carolina should target Torrey Smith and Shane Vereen in free agency.
"Carolina desperately needs speed at wide receiver, and a field-stretcher like Smith could be exactly what the doctor ordered, although he might be somewhat of a big-ticket item considering the Panthers' current cap situation," Williamson wrote.
"Jonathan Stewart is proving to be an excellent back, but he does have an injury history. Plus, the Panthers could use a weapon like Vereen in the passing game, possibly on the field with Stewart at the same time. Carolina's passing game needs an upgrade, and the Panthers need a complement to Stewart to replace DeAngelo Williams. Vereen would fill both needs."
Panthers general manager Dave Gettleman didn't have much financial wiggle room to work with last year and that was reflected in Carolina's 7-8-1 season. Although the Panthers aren't flush with cash this year, they at least have some more money to work with. Expect the team to dip its toe into the free agent waters.
