Carolina Panthers News

Free agency has been a happy new year for many NFL stars, but others are now making resolutions as bargain hunting on the secondary market has begun.

After an outstanding 2013 season, the Carolina Panthers have undergone some significant changes during the free agency period, which has had an effect on the team's needs and priorities heading into the 2014 NFL Draft.

A day after cutting Steve Smith and losing Ted Ginn Jr. to Arizona in free agency, the Panthers saw former New York Giants wideout Hakeem Nicks – a Charlotte prep standout and potential replacement for Smith – sign with Indianapolis on Friday.

Anderson will serve his fourth year as Cam Newton's backup. He appeared in four games last season, but did not attempt a pass.

In this Oct. 13, 2013 file photo, Carolina Panthers wide receiver Steve Smith crosses his arms after a touchdown catch against the Minnesota Vikings during the first half of an NFL football game in Minneapolis.

The Baltimore Ravens, New England Patriots, Tampa Bay Buccaneers and others showed interest in signing Smith when rumors began to swirl last month that he was on the way out.

The release of Steve Smith sent the fanbase into a tailspin, which conveniently kept eyes off the fact the Panthers have been swinging and missing in the first week of free agency.

Carolina Panthers cornerback Captain Munnerlyn celebrates after returning an interception for a touchdown against the New York Jets last season.

Thirteen-year veteran wide receiver Steve Smith has been released from the Carolina Panthers .

Receiver Ted Ginn signed a three-year deal with the Arizona Cardinals Thursday. NFL.com's Ian Rapoport reports the deal is worth $9.75 million.

Young joins a defense that is getting a makeover after struggling in a big way last season.

The Carolina Panthers offseason just became a lot more complicated. Following the release of veteran wide receiver and fan favorite Steve Smith , the Carolina front office now has the daunting task of building a competitive offense for 2014.

Carolina Panthers wide receiver Brandon LaFell runs after making a catch during the third quarter against the San Francisco 49ers during the 2013 NFC divisional playoff football game at Bank of America Stadium.

Carolina Panthers wide receiver Steve Smith was Cam Newton's top target in 2013, Smith's 13th season in the league.

The Panthers will make it official Thursday, parting ways with the best player in franchise history when they release longtime receiver Steve Smith, according to a source with knowledge of the situation.

Last week, we took a look at mock drafts that predicted the Panthers would look to the offensive side of the ball in the first round of the NFL Draft.

Optioned LHP Charlie Leesman to Charlotte and OFs Jared Mitchell and Trayce Thompson to Birmingham .

Terrell McClain #97 of the Houston Texans looks on from the sideline against the Tennessee Titans at LP Field on December 2, 2012 in Nashville, Tennessee.

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers remained active in free agency on Wednesday, signing former Chicago Bears quarterback Josh McCown to a two-year, $10 million contract, according to reports.

Kershaw County deputies are trying to figure out what led to a stabbing off Highway 1 on Tuesday night.Details are very limited as to where the crime happened and who was hurt.