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2015 NFL Free Agency: 5 Carolina Panthers Rumors You Need To Know

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Jeffrey G. Pittenger

5 Carolina Panthers Free Agency Rumors You Need To Know

Jeremy Maclin Philadelphia Eagles
Jeffrey G. Pittenger

The 2014 Carolina Panthers emerged out of the weak NFC South to make an impressive playoff run. However, this team has their sights set on much loftier achievements in 2015, and free agency could certainly help them get there. Here is the latest incarnation of the Panthers’ free agency rumor mill.

5. Greg Hardy Departure Likely… But Not For Sure

Greg Hardy Carolina Panthers
Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

5. Greg Hardy Departure Likely… But Not For Sure

Greg Hardy Carolina Panthers
Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

At first, it seemed like the Panthers intended to do whatever possible to distance themselves from Hardy. However, recent speculation says that a separation between Carolina and Hardy is not set in stone, and they might even bring him back. If you had to bet on Hardy’s future, however, you would want to put money on him donning a different colored jersey in 2015.

4. Jeremy Maclin

Jeremy Maclin Philadelphia Eagles
Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports

4. Jeremy Maclin

Jeremy Maclin Philadelphia Eagles
Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports

2014 was a great year for Maclin, as he asserted himself as a true No. 1 receiver, catching 85 balls for 1,318 yards and 10 touchdowns. Kelvin Benjamin may be a promising young player, but the Panthers’ receiving corps is still in flux in the wake of the great receiver exodus of 2014. Having a one-two punch of Maclin and Benjamin would launch the Panthers’ aerial attack into another tier.

3. Torrey Smith

Torrey Smith Baltimore Ravens
Evan Habeeb-USA TODAY Sports

3. Torrey Smith

Torrey Smith Baltimore Ravens
Evan Habeeb-USA TODAY Sports

If the Panthers don’t want to shell out for Maclin, Smith would be a good compromise. One of the NFL’s most dangerous deep threats because of his speed and ability to adjust in the air, it’s not hard to imagine Cam Newton using his cannon arm to find Smith on bombs. Panthers fans wouldn’t be averse to seeing a receiver with “Smith” on the back of his jersey again, that’s for sure.

2. Hakeem Nicks

Hakeem Nicks Indianapolis Colts
Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports

2. Hakeem Nicks

Hakeem Nicks Indianapolis Colts
Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports

A local favorite dating back to his days at UNC, Nicks would be welcomed in Carolina should he be signed in free agency. The former Giant is no stranger to playing behind young star receivers, and he would definitely complement Benjamin well in the Panthers’ receiving corps. Who knows, maybe playing in a gunslinging passing system would bring out the 2010 and 2011 Nicks that Giants fans fell in love with.

1. Bryan Bulaga

Bryan Bulaga Green Bay Packers
Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

1. Bryan Bulaga

Bryan Bulaga Green Bay Packers
Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

Alright, enough about receivers; the Panthers need offensive line help, and addressing that issue in free agency would be best. Bulaga’s name has been linked with the Panthers for a few weeks now. Only 25 but with five years of NFL experience under his belt, Bulaga would be an upgrade and a half at the tackle position for the Panthers.

Connor Fulton is a writer for RantSports.
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