After losing their top four receivers — both by choice and by free agency — in just over a week, the Panthers finally locked up a guy who can catch the ball. The team signed former Steelers receiver Jerricho Cotchery to a two-year contract Thursday.

Carolina likely won’t depend on Cotchery as a No. 1 receiver, but the 10-year veteran adds much needed experience. He becomes the only wideout on the Panthers’ roster with an NFL reception.

“I’m just another piece in the puzzle right now and I want to take advantage of the opportunities to make plays,” Cotchery, who has 437 career receptions, said on a conference call Thursday afternoon. “I’m just another piece in the puzzle and I’m sure they’re going to keep putting it together.”

After totaling 20 touchdowns his previous nine seasons, Cotchery exploded for 10 touchdowns in 2013. His total was just five fewer than the combined effort from Panthers’ receivers: Brandon LaFell (5), Ted Ginn (5), Steve Smith (4), Domenik Hixon (1).

All 10 of Cotchery’s touchdowns came inside the red zone, an area the Panthers struggled in late last year.

“The trust factor was built with (Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger). He just felt comfortable with me when we got down there,” Cotchery said. “I was able to take advantage of those opportunities and hopefully I can do the same here.”

After visiting with the Panthers earlier this week, Cotchery spent a couple days deciding between Carolina or re-signing with the Steelers. Ultimately, the former NC State star returned to the place he called home.

“My wife is from here, so we have family here and that’s why I consider it home. North Carolina gave me my wife,” Cotchery said.”

The 31-year-old wore No. 82 with the Wolfpack, but he changed to No. 89 for 9 out of his ten seasons with the Jets and Steelers. That number is a sensitive subject after last week’s release of Panthers’ fan favorite Steve Smith, who wore 89 in Carolina for 13 seasons.

“I’m not wearing that number. That number probably isn’t going to be touched here,” Cotchery said when asked if he would wear No. 89. “Steve is one of my favorite players, not just receivers. He’s been the face around here for a long time, so I wouldn’t even think about touching that number.”

Cotchery career stats, via NFL.com

One more notable quote: “I left Ben Roethlisberger, so if you’re going to leave a quarterback like that you better be sure you’re going to a quarterback that can play at a high level and we have that here with Cam Newton.” – Cotchery

Other notes:

• A native of Birmingham, Alabama, Cotchery was a two-time All-ACC selection at NC State. He broke Torry Holt’s school records with 200 career receptions and 15 career 100-yard receiving games. Cotchery majored in Sport Management.
• Winner of the Jets’ 2006 Kyle Clifton Good Guy Award, which recognizes consistent willingness, cooperation and professionalism in everyday dealings with various departments in organization.
• 2008 Ed Block Courage Award winner.
• He was born with a sixth finger on his left hand.
• Cotchery and his wife Mercedes adopted a daughter in 2007. They also have two sons.