Carolina Panthers News

Dec 29, 2013; Chicago, IL, USA; Green Bay Packers wide receiver James Jones is tackled by Chicago Bears free safety Chris Conte during the second half at Soldier Field.

The first week of free agency ended with the Carolina Panthers saying goodbye to one of the best players in their history and the Baltimore Ravens welcoming a proven playmaker to a struggling offense.

Hours after the Patriots re-upped with wide receiver Julian Edelman , the team also agreed to terms with former Panthers wideout Brandon LaFell on a three-year deal, according to CSNNE.com 's Tom Curran.

Former Carolina Panthers and Chicago Bears defensive end Julius Peppers signed a three-year deal with the Green Bay Packers on Saturday, bringing one of the NFL's best pass rushers to a team that has historically avoided major free-agent splashes.

Carolina Panthers general manager Dave Gettleman listens to a reporter's question directed to Panthers head coach Ron Rivera during a press conference on Tuesday, January 14, 2014 at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, NC.

Oct 13, 2013; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Carolina Panthers guard Travelle Wharton against the Minnesota Vikings at Mall of America Field at H.H.H. Metrodome.

The Panthers have agreed to terms with former Saints safety Roman Harper , reports the Charlotte Observer 's Joe Person.

Julius Peppers #90 of the Chicago Bears rushes against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field on November 4, 2013 in Green Bay, Wisconsin.

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.