Ramses Barden looking for new start. Martellus Bennett resolved to his fate

[top dawg]

Well, Ramses Barden has already been mentioned as a possible landing spot for the Panthers, especially considering that David Gettleman is our new GM. At first thought, he may seem like a virtual nobody---an irrelevant addition that will fit in well with the less than stellar question marks at WR that we currently have. The thing is that the 6'6", 230 lb. WR is difficult for many Panthers fans to ignore after he torched us on national tv last season on TNF. It could have very well been an aberration---a combination of a good night for him, and a bad night for an under-performing---if not underwhelming---Panthers secondary. But, what a Megatron-like performance it was, and if we could get some of those out of someone other than Steve Smith, particularly on the cheap, then Barden may really be worth more than just a cursory look. When he came out of college, he had suspect hands and needed work at running routes, but could it be that three years doing a little spot duty has finally gotten him over his hump? Is his lack of production still about not proving that he is worth being on the field, or is it more about being buried on the bench behind Nicks, Cruz, Mario Manningham and Hixon? I don't know, but if Gettleman signs him, then I would lean towards being optimistic. At worst, we have another big-bodied WR competing for a roster spot catching balls from a big-bodied QB who sometimes has a tendency to throw the ball high. Furthermore, Barden is looking for a spot to re-energize his career:

"I'm really kind of excited for the offseason, because as much fun as I've had in New York -- yeah, I was comfortable there -- it's probably best for me to start looking in other places for a new system, a refreshed sense of welcoming," Barden told SiriusXM NFL Radio, according to The Star-Ledger. "I think everybody can benefit from newness in their lives at a certain time, and this is going to be one of those for me."

Another Giant who may be on the chopping block is Martellus Bennett. His remarks on Twitter seemed to be a little more cynical.

"I've come to the conclusion that we are just temporary investments to the owners," and "they have other priorities that come before little ole me. I'm just a small piece of what they're trying to do there."

Bennett basically was the second fiddle in Dallas for years, and was happy to get away from the Cowboys (good for him). He always said that he could do more, and he proved it with 55 catches for 626 yards. Also 6'6, Bennett has proven that he can catch and would seemingly provide another big target for Cam Newton, particularly in the red zone and short yardage situations. He may be a nice complement to Greg Olsen, and should come relatively cheaply---perhaps cheaper than a Jared Cook for example. In my opinion Bennett does tend to let his mouth get away from him sometimes, but I like the fact that he has a little chip on his shoulder. The Panthers need more attitude in their game as far as I'm concerned.

Ultimately, I am not saying that either Barden or Bennett are optimum choices. They would have to earn their respect with production in the teal and black, but considering our cap, needs, and Gettleman's reported penchant for finding value, these two Giants may be worth a look once (if or when) they become available.

[CarolinaPanthers8789]

I feel like we are about to go from the the Carolina Chargers to the Carolina Charging Giants...

But give me Bennett. I watched all his games last year because he was on my ff team and he is a pretty good tight end. Tight end isn't a supreme area of concern but if you can upgrade a position... why not do it.

[4Corners]

No on both

[weymouthst]

Sounds good to me, for sure.

[weymouthst]

"No on both."

Yeah lets hold onto a bunch of WR's that haven't done jack poo in, oh I dunno, forever.

I hope your not delusional. Steve Smith is the ONLY WR WORTH A DAMN ON OUR ROSTERRRRRR

[CarolinaPanthers8789]

Um Brandon LaFell is one of the better two's in the league. Everyone compares our wide receiver situation to Atlanta because they are in our division when I would take our wide receiving corp over about 15 other teams. It would obviously be ideal to find Smitty's replacement ASAP but if it doesn't happen this year, then it will definitely happen next year.

[Stroupe-a-loop]

"No on both."

Yeah lets hold onto a bunch of WR's that haven't done jack poo in, oh I dunno, forever.

I hope your not delusional. Steve Smith is the ONLY WR WORTH A DAMN ON OUR ROSTERRRRRR

. . . you know Ramses Barden only has 29 career catches in 4 years, right?

[Peppers90 NC]

It's easy for some to assume we may poach from the Giants because we have Gettleman now, just a simpletons way of thinking. Both Bennett and Barden would be worth a look though for depth.

[koolkatluke]

I like the Barden idea.

[jarhead]

Both would be good 3rd down targets

[SCP]

Um Brandon LaFell is one of the better two's in the league. Everyone compares our wide receiver situation to Atlanta because they are in our division when I would take our wide receiving corp over about 15 other teams. It would obviously be ideal to find Smitty's replacement ASAP but if it doesn't happen this year, then it will definitely happen next year.

I hope you aren't including Armanti in that core.

[IamSoClutch]

. . . you know Ramses Barden only has 29 career catches in 4 years, right?

how in the world do you only get 29 career catches in 4 years at 6'6?

[CarolinaPanthers8789]

I hope you aren't including Armanti in that core.

Smith, LaFell, Murphy (as a four).

[Stroupe-a-loop]

how in the world do you only get 29 career catches in 4 years at 6'6?

I don't know. And 9 of them came in the game against us where every other receiver on their team was hurt.

Dude is talented and has upside, and might be good depth, but acting like he's a proven 1, 2, or 3 is dumb and wrong.