Carolina Panthers trade news 2015: Kevin Norwood acquired via trade from Seattle Seahawks

Wikimedia Commons/Carolina Panthers

Instead of getting cut from the roster, wide receiver Kevin Norwood was traded by the Seattle Seahawks to the Carolina Panthers who are in need of a receiver. 

The Panthers acquired Norwood in exchange of a 2017 undisclosed conditional draft pick, according to reports. 

Carolina is having troubles at the receiver position because of the setbacks they have suffered.

The Panthers' top receiver Kelvin Benjamin was ruled out for the 2015 season when he suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in training camp. 

Benjamin's likely replacement Devin Funchess, who was the 41st overall pick in the 2015 draft, sat out their past two preseason games facing hamstring injury. 

The Panthers' other starter in training camp Corey Brown has been struggling in their recent preseason outings, while veteran Jerricho Cotchery has a groin injury. 

But ESPN reported that Cotchery will likely be ready when they open their season on Sept. 13 against the Jacksonville Jaguars. 

"Kevin gives us another player to compete at the wide receiver position. He has the size you look for along with toughness and smarts. We studied him a lot going into last year's draft and we look forward to having him as part of our receiving corps," Panthers general manager Dave Gettleman said in a statement posted on the team's website. 

Norwood was a fourth-round pick by the Seahawks in 2014. In his first season, he played in nine regular season games having nine receptions for 102 yards, although he did not play in any of Seattle's postseason games. 

The Seahawks again reached the Super Bowl last season but were unsuccessful to win for the second consecutive time as they bowed down to the New England Patriots. 

Adding Norwood is huge for the Panthers not just because of their need of a receiver but also because of his youth and experience playing for the Seahawks, who have been top contenders in the past seasons.