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.