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Could Victor Cruz add salsa to Panthers wide receivers group that needs seasoning?

The Panthers have had success signing veteran slot receivers to serve as mentors to their young wideouts.

One such veteran became a free agent Monday – and he happens to have ties to Panthers general manager Dave Gettleman.

The Giants released Victor Cruz in a cost-cutting move that freed up $7.5 million in salary cap space. Cruz, 30, had back-to-back, 1,000-yard receiving seasons, including a career-best 1,536 yards during the Giants’ Super Bowl season of 2011.

And while he’s been a shell of his former self in recent years following major knee surgery and various other leg injuries, Cruz is worth kicking the tires on – especially given Gettleman’s background with him.