The Carolina Panthers enter another season surrounded by uncertainty because they continue trying to find playmakers to complement Steve Smith.
They brought back Mushin Muhammad after a respite in Chicago. They also added former Seahawk enigma D.J. Hackett.
Can they emerge as solid complementary options to boost the Carolina passing game?
Muhammad provides a lot of experience and can out-muscle defenders over the middle, but showed signs of aging last season and won’t scare too many defenders.
On the other hand, Hackett could be the playmaker the Panthers need to take pressure off Smith. Hackett has the size and natural skills to make a lot of clutch grabs – especially in the red zone. But Hackett has been unable to take his career to the next level as a consistent number two receiver due to injuries. He’s had a track record of hamstring problems and missed several weeks last season with a high ankle sprain. A few coaches questioned his toughness to play through injuries in the past.
The Panthers hope a change of scenery helps Hackett develop into a solid option behind Smith.
These signings also mark the lack of confidence the organization has with Dwayne Jarrett. Jarrett must display more maturity in his second season as he faces the bust label. He struggles to separate from tight coverage and had problems learning how to read coverages at the pro level.
In San Francisco, Mike Martz was brought in to add some much needed energy and restore order on the offensive side of the ball. The 49ers have attempted to add some short-term stability in the passing game with the recent signings of Isaac Bruce and Bryant Johnson.
The 49ers might have had the worst collect of receivers in the league last season. Bruce is past his best days as hamstring problems have re-appeared from his early days. While the 49ers shouldn’t count on Bruce for a full 16 games at this stage of his career, he’ll provide some stability and experience with his familiarity of Martz’s offense.
Johnson has an opportunity to establish himself as a solid number two type after being overshadowed in Arizona behind Larry Fitzgerald and Anquan Boldin. Johnson has adequate size and speed. He has shown the ability to get downfield and his hands have improved over the past year. Now he must prove he can be consistent enough to grade as a consistent starter.
The 49ers also hope Jason Hill overcomes injuries as a rookie to become a solid contributor next season. Hill intrigues the 49ers with his blend of size and physical skills.
D.J. Hackett what a joke. This guy only took up Carolina's offer after they guaranteed him he'd be the #2 WR. I don't know who he thinks he is or what he thinks he's done but I thoght you were supposed to win the spot in training camp. I can't imagine how he will be received by the rest of the Panthers especially if is outperformed (which he will be) in training camp.
I think Bryant Johnson will be big for San Fran. If Carolina really wanted to get Steve Smith some help they would have gotten this guy or Jerry Porter and not faked liked they cared and signed another version of what they already have.
If anything Johnson is a joke, he had a chance to be the number two when Fitzgerald went out but fatboy couldnt step up. Atleast Hackett has played on a winning team and if he does get hurt so what, we only signed him for 2 years and under 4 mill.
guys the idea of this thing is to keep it professional and no need to throw jabs at each other.....the niners will be great with johnson, bruce, lelie,battle, and vernon davis...thats a great thing.... but the panthers can use a hackett....remember muhammad is back and smith is still a great wideout so that worked out for the better......
The problem is he is never healthy because little things that many other guys play through stop this guy cold. We ohh and ahh when he makes a tough catch but that is usually all he is good for a night. These guys are a dime a dozen.
Johnson had to compete with Boldin and Fitz so he was never going to be a full time guy but he was productive and did step up the few times he was a regular in the game plan. I didn't like that San Fran replaced a younger DJAX with Bruce. These guys are the same production wise but I guess he is cheaper at this point.
I am upset that the Seahawks let him go. He was coming around. I know he had issues with injuries last season, but how much playing time was he going to really get anyway. He was a smokin' back-up when Branch was doan and out. He complimented Engram and Burleson well.
Carolina got Ken Lucas a few years ago from Seattle as well. They seem to get our "athletes" when they come up for grabs. Good job Carolina. Panther fans, you're welcome.. You will like Hackett.. I have liked him for the past few seasons....
Hackett cud be a great receiver for Panthers if he can stay healthy. Is he a savior for the little Jerk Smith? No. He is a great number three but he
was the best avail. Remember salary cap stuff? Thats why they didnt go after Headcase Porter etc. If Carolina got Porter, then they wud have the
same problem as Bengals with those two idiots. Not enough footballs to go around. Hackett is quiet and sneaky fast. I think he is a great pickup for
Panthers and a huge loss for Seattle..I wish him luck. If her wasnt hurt when Seattle went to Super Bowl, Seattle could have kept the Refs from deciding that game. I know Stevens dropped a few passes, but that off pass interf call on Jackson is something that wasnt called all year long during the season..Horrible game. Funny that Triplet hasnt refed a game in Seattle since. Dont worry, he will hear from the crow when he does...
I have watched D.j over the last few seasons and he has tremendous potenial, he was the hawks number 1 guy when D.Jax went down love the move also i hope D. Jarret can step it up loved watching him at Usc well just hope for the best for both guys since there in the other conference.
I think tm85 needs to take his panties off because people have their own opinions. Sometimes people can be harsh in their opinions, but we don't need a loser like him telling people how they should comment. If you don't like it...go to church.
I hope he can success! If you like you can join ebikercenter. com (sign up for free!) and share your opinions with many beautiful grils and cool man who also like sports very much!
Brian DeLucia has been a widely respected NFL Analyst for several years including six-years on FOXSports.com
Brian analyzes players, coaches, and personnel guys from a unique front office perspective. You can email Brian DeLucia at bjd@enter.net
These signings also mark the lack of confidence the organization has with Dwayne Jarrett. Jarrett must display more maturity in his second season as he faces the bust label. He struggles to separate from tight coverage and had problems learning how to read coverages at the pro level. 
