Panthers to host former Eagles wide receiver Jason Avant

Wide receiver Jason Avant was cut by the Eagles shortly before free agency, but little news has circulated since then. While the Chiefs and Patriots have been discussed in the past, very little movement has come for Avant this offseason. However, that will change on Monday, as Avant has a meeting scheduled with the Carolina Panthers, according to Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk.

The Panthers are running a bit low at wide receiver these days. They recently signed a pair of former No. 3 wide receivers in Jerricho Cotchery and Tiquan Underwood after releasing franchise star Steve Smith and losing fellow starter Brandon LaFell to the Patriots in free agency. Along with Cotchery and Underwood, Carolina also has former Eagles sixth round pick Marvin McNutt and second-year player Tavarres King. That group isn't likely to frighten an SEC defense, let alone an NFL unit.

Avant would likely serve as a third or fourth receiver in the Panthers offense, as the team is likely to draft a starter early in May. Avant could provide the locker room and Cam Newton with the veteran presence that was lost with Smith being released and long-time tackle Jordan Gross' retirement. Avant is coming off a down season and looked to have lost a step or two with the Eagles in 2013, despite having a career high in starts.