Louis Murphy doesn't have to worry about being cut by the Oakland Raiders after all. He has found a team with a much greater need at wide receiver.
Jason Cole of Yahoo! Sports reported Monday that Murphy is headed to the Carolina Panthers via trade, and NFL Network's Michael Lombardi later confirmed. The Raiders received a conditional late-round draft pick for Murphy, a source with knowledge of the situation told Lomardi.
The Raiders confirmed the trade later Monday afternoon.
It makes sense that the Raiders would get what they could for Murphy. They have Denarius Moore, Jacoby Ford, Darrius Heyward-Bey and great depth at the position.
It also makes sense that the Panthers would add a young, productive player. Murphy led the Raiders' receiving corps with 41 catches and 609 yards as a 23-year-old in 2010. He can be inconsistent, but he has shown big-play ability since entering the NFL. Carolina's wideout group is wide open after Steve Smith and Brandon LaFell.
Acquiring Murphy is a sign that Carolina might not be sure what it has with reserves David Gettis, Seyi Ajirotutu and rookie Joe Adams. Former third-round draft pick Armanti Edwards seems as good as gone from the roster.
Cam Newton needs more weapons around him in the passing game. Murphy is worth taking a flier on.
UPDATE: Murphy later tweeted about his excitement in joining the Panthers.
