I enthused that the Panthers have made their interest known. Most agree it's a long shot either way:
NFL Rumors: 'Long shot' Carolina Panthers sign Sidney Rice - FanSided - Sports News, Entertainment, Lifestyle & Technology - 270+ Sites
Rice would certainly get his fair share of playing time with the Panthers and has a formidable man under center in Cam Newton throwing him the ball, so it would seem to be a nice landing spot for Rice. But the veteran may be asking for too much money and Carolina understandably doesn’t want to start overpaying for solid but unspectacular wide receivers just because they’re thin at the position.
The question for Rice to weigh is how much more can he make going elsewhere versus coming home and playing for the Panthers? Would the difference in pay make it be worth it or does he forgo more money to play near his family?
The Panthers simply don't have a lot of money left to work with so they can't offer the best money he is going to find. Gettleman could offer a one year 'prove it' deal similar to what he did with Mike Mitchell and Ted Ginn last year. The Panthers might have more cap space to work with next year so if he plays well a long term deal could be struck then.
He would certainly get a chance to play in Carolina regardless of how many WRs the Panthers draft in May. I would love this signing! What do you think?