Carolina Panthers News

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.

If you’re a Panthers fan, Tuesday was a day where seemingly everyone in the NFC South got better and Carolina stayed the same.

Running back Donald Brown, Indianapolis' leading rusher last season, bolted the Colts and signed with the San Diego Chargers on Tuesday.

Buffalo Bills free safety Jairus Byrd celebrates an interception against the New York Jets at Ralph Wilson Stadium in Orchard Park, N.Y., Nov. 17, 2013.

Though it isn't official yet, rumor has it that former Utah Utes football players Steve Smith and Zane Beadles will soon be headed away from their old NFL teams towards someplace new.

Carolina Panthers' Steve Smith responds to a New Orleans Saints fan during pre game prior to playing the Saints at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome on December 8, 2013 During a frenzied start to free agency around the NFL, the Carolina Panthers' most notable move Tuesday was one they didn't make – trading or releasing wide receiver Steve Smith.

A couple of accomplished NFL pass rushers suddenly became available when DeMarcus Ware and Julius Peppers were released to create room under the salary cap in two of the biggest moves at Tuesday's start of the free-agency signing period.

Carolina Panthers running back DeAngelo Williams, left, jokes with teammate Greg Olsen on Tues., March 11, 2014 at Mallard Creek High School.

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Jan 12, 2014; Charlotte, NC, USA; San Francisco 49ers strong safety Donte Whitner reacts after a defensive stop against the Carolina Panthers at the goal line during the first half of the 2013 NFC divisional playoff football game at Bank of America Stadium.

The 49ers remain in the running to retain Donte Whitner, their starting strong safety for the last three seasons, but they are looking at alternatives in case they lose him.

The top two free agents in the NFC South have been hit with the franchise tag. But plenty of division talent is on the market.