Carolina Panthers Should Target Mike Wallace, Cam Newton Needs Him

The Carolina Panthers have talent despite what records show. They just can’t seem to get it all together. They are still missing a few key pieces to the playoff and winning puzzles. One of those pieces is that of a weapon. Quarterback Cam Newton does have one weapon in Steve Smith, but he needs a few more to give him a few more options.

Dec 16, 2012; Arlington, TX, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Mike Wallace (17) is tackled by Dallas Cowboys cornerback Morris Claiborne (24) during the game at Cowboys Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports

NFL.com published an article yesterday afternoon titled, “Ron Rivera hints Carolina Panthers like Mike Wallace.” There is no secret in that, but there is no secret they have interest in several other wide receivers as well. Mike Wallace, Greg Jennings, and Dwayne Bowe are all names mentioned as options for the Panther’s to sign in free agency if they choose not to draft a wide receiver.

Right now, Newton’s only target is really just Steve Smith. Last season Smith had 1,174 yards with four touchdowns and gave the Panthers fifty-one first downs. While Smith is a great veteran leader, he is getting older and not younger. For a team that is rebuilding on youth and talent, it’s time to look into a veteran that is young and talented.

Who better fits this profile than that of the Pittsburgh Steelers free agent, Mike Wallace. With 836 yards and eight touchdowns last season, Wallace didn’t perform as well as his expectations. While his stats where down, he has put up Steve Smith like numbers in the previous two seasons, and still has yet to approach his career potential.

With a young talented quarterback like Cam Newton, Mike Wallace could be a great receiver to sign and bring in to build this franchise on. Both have hit great strides early on in their careers, but both have yet to reach their best seasons of their careers. Both are fast, both are physical and both are very young. That’s a good recipe for a team looking to rebuild on youth.

The only issue in the Panther’s pursuit of Wallace…cap space!