Oakland Raiders trade wide receiver Louis Murphy to Carolina Panthers – NFL News
Carolina Panthers have acquired wide receiver Louis Murphy from Oakland Raiders for an exchange of a conditional seventh-round pick. The compensation is just what was expected for a player like Murphy.
The deal is based on Murphy making into Panthers’ 53-man roster. It was announced by Raiders on Monday, July 23, 2012.
The deal has come with just few days remaining before the start of training camp.
Raiders will have the much needed salary cap space, but it will be interesting to see how their undrafted rookies will perform in the professional stage.
Undrafted free agent Rod Streater and fifth-round pick Juron Criner will have to give good output in order to replace the exciting Murphy.
Raiders have great depth at the wide receiver position, probably the deepest in the league today. They have Darrius Heyward-Bey, Jacoby Ford and Denarius Moore ready to compete for the starting spot.
Murphy looked like a great prospect in the first two seasons of his professional career. He was able to cover 1,130 yards with six touchdowns while catching a total of 75 passes. He was able to start only one game last season after having groin injury.
Both Raiders and Panthers have also previously made one trade this offseason with the exchange of offensive lineman Bruce Campbell for running back Mike Goodson.
Murphy expressed his feeling about playing for Panthers through Twitter. He tweeted:
“Thanking God for this opportunity! Super excited to be a part of the @Panthers Organization!! Can't wait!! #letsgopanthers!!!!”
With the signing of Murphy, Panthers will get a player that has a considerable experience in playing at the league level.
This is exactly what was needed by Panthers after the departure of Steve Smith and Brandon LaFell. Smith looked to be the only quality player for the wide receiver post last season.
Panthers’ other options for the wide receiving position this season are rookie Joe Adams and reserves Seyi Ajirotutu and David Gettis.
A player that will be looking for a better output from Murphy is the Panthers talented quarterback Cam Newton.
Newton having better weapons this season could mean a change of fortune for Panthers.
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