NFL Rumors: Carolina Panthers Would Be Smart to Sign Jacoby Jones

Jacoby Jones wouldn't turn the Carolina Panthers into Super Bowl contenders overnight, but they'd be smart to ink the veteran wideout.

After he was released by the Houston Texans following a 2012 draft class that included receivers DeVier Posey and Keshawn Martin, the Carolina Panthers were the first team interested. 

According to the Houston Chronicle, Jones visited with Ron Rivera's team on Thursday. 

I get that the 2007 third-round pick has been relatively disappointing in Andre Johnson's shadow for the Texans, but adding a inexpensive, low-risk veteran wideout for Cam Newton would be an intelligent decision.

Newton was fantastic in 2011, and much of his historic rookie season was thanks to the established pass-catchers on the Panthers roster.

He completed 79 passes to Steve Smith, 45 to Greg Olsen and 37 to Jeremy Shockey.

Don't forget Legedu Naanee, a secondary option who had 44 catches for 467 yards and four touchdowns last season. He's averaged nearly 37 grabs for 503 yards and 3.6 touchdowns over the last three years. 

He wasn't re-signed in the offseason and is now a member of the Miami Dolphins. 

Wouldn't Jones, a guy with similar experience, size and career productivity be the ideal replacement? 

Inking the former Texans' receiver wouldn't be flashy, but at the same time, Jones wouldn't be taking playing time away from any Panthers receiver and he could be a fine No. 3 or 4 option for Newton in 2012. 

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