Brenton

Bersin

Bersin did not see many targets, but he played plenty of snaps with the first-team offense on Friday night. He is unlikely to be worth a look in fantasy without a couple injuries, but Bersin could limit Devin Funchess’ snaps if he keeps seeing first-team work.

Bersin looked poised for a big role coming out of the preseason, but he played just five snaps the first three weeks. The Panthers likely needed his roster spot to sign some help for the offensive line.

Bersin was not tendered as a restricted free agent, so this deal is for less than the $1.797 million he would have made on the low tender. Bersin has been with the Panthers for three seasons, catching 24 passes for 287 yards and a touchdown in 34 games. He will compete for one of the final receiver spots in camp.

The surgery was to remove a bone spur from Bersin’s ankle. He expects to be back for training camp. Already in a competition for one of the final roster spots, Bersin needs to get healthy as soon as possible.

The 2012 UDFA caught two passes in 10 games last season. He has 24 career catches, 13 of which came in 2014. Primarily a special teamer, Bersin turns 28 next spring.

Bersin could put very little weight on his left leg as he was helped off the field by trainers. Bersin has been in contention for one of the Panthers’ top-four wide receiver spots. Bersin is coming off of ankle surgery.

Hill is by far the most talented member of the trio and was singled out by coach Ron Rivera for showing well at OTAs. The former No. 43 overall pick of the Jets is still just 24 years old. The Panthers’ top-five wideouts Kelvin Benjamin, Devin Funchess, Corey (formerly Philly) Brown, Ted Ginn and Jerricho Cotchery.

Bersin and Jerricho Cotchery have been the outside receivers, with Jason Avant in the slot. Bersin appears to have leapfrogged Marvin McNutt, Tavarres King, and Tiquan Underwood on the depth chart. A Wofford alum, 24-year-old Bersin stands 6-foot-3, 210 with modest 4.60 speed and a 35-inch vertical. Put simply, the Panthers need their top receivers to stay healthy this season.

Bersin caught 13 passes over 15 games for the Panthers last season, but the arrival of Kevin Norwood in a trade earlier this week likely sealed his fate. Brown had 32 catches for the Jaguars in 2013, but spent part of 2014 on the practice squad before being released.

With Jerricho Cotchery (ankle) sidelined, Bersin will serve as the fifth receiver against the Saints. TE Brandon Williams was waived in a corresponding move.