Jerricho Cotchery is back to assist with new Panthers wide receivers coach Lance Taylor on Carolina's coaching staff as reported by Black and Blue Review.

“Here’s a guy very familiar with our guys, a guy that was the quiet leader in that group," said Rivera.

Nobody really took over that leadership role for the Panthers receivers in 2016, and it showed. Ginn was the veteran of the group, but has never really had that trait. Carolina's slot receiver position as a whole diminished without Cotchery in 2016 as well.

With Philly Brown and Brenton Bersin both set to be free agents this off season, Panthers brought in Victor Cruz for a visit last month. Carolina could opt to let both go if they can reach a deal with Cruz, or keep one and let the other go. It would likely be Bersin walking as Philly Brown accounted for 27 of the 30 receptions in the slot last season. Panthers also liked rookie Damiere Byrd and may choose to try and implement more of him.

It will be interesting to see how things develop with Cruz going forward. In a radio interview last month after the visit, Cruz said the visit "went well." Having two veterans such as Cotchery and Cruz would be great additions to the locker room and on the field for the younger corps of guys.

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Article thumbnail photo Jesse Fraetis photography.

Written by Tripp Morgan