According to the Charlotte Observer, free agent WR Hakeem Nicks is the Panthers' top target to replace Steve Smith. Sometimes, it's just a simple connection of the dots. The Panthers are completely overhauling their receiving corps from scratch, Nicks is from Charlotte and he played his college ball at the University of North Carolina. The talented Nicks won't be overly expensive ($4.5 million per season according to CBS Sports) as he comes off two straight disappointing, injury-plagued seasons. An opportunity to rehab his value as Cam Newton's No. 1 option in his hometown should be appetizing.