About 19 hours after Seattle traded Kevin Norwood to Carolina, the Panthers’ newest receiver jogged onto the Bank of America Stadium practice fields.

He didn’t do much Tuesday. Norwood ran routes during individual drills and saw a handful of snaps with the third team. His focus right now is cramming a new playbook in hopes of playing a bit Thursday night against the Steelers.

Norwood

On past 24 hours

“I’m exhausted. Getting on the flight coming over here, that was the worst. I hate flying … Not knowing the next team you’re going to be at, getting cut, then getting traded. It’s crazy, but it all worked out in the end.”

What he thought when the Panthers called

“I was very excited. To be honest, this was a dream, pretty much. I envisioned this, and I kind of knew it was going to happen, but then again, I didn’t want to overthink it or nothing like that. But I kind of knew it was going to happen, so I’m glad to be here.”

What went wrong in Seattle

“To be honest, I really don’t know. I guess it wasn’t my opportunity to take. They have a great organization, they’re doing everything right, and it just didn’t work out for me.”

Is it tough for a former Alabama WR to catch passes from Cam Newton, a former Auburn QB?

“Yeah, it is, man. No, I’m just kidding. It’s going to be good. Any pass is a good pass.”

Newton

On his new receiver

“I’m excited. He’s a guy that is used to winning and affiliated with great organizations … I’m excited for him.’’

Panthers general manager Dave Gettleman

What made you do the deal?

“We really liked him coming out of college. Guys fit some places and don’t fit other places. Teddy Ginn is obviously a perfect example of that. We’ll get a look-see. Like I told you guys before, it’s about creating competition, continually upgrading the back end of the roster and getting as good as you can get.”

What did you learn about him during the 2014 pre-draft process?

“We did a private workout with him, and Ricky [Proehl] was in there with him. The kid has exceptional hands. He’s a big, strong wide receiver. We feel he’s talented and it was a chance to get him and work with him. He’s really smart. He’s a very smart kid. He’s going to be able to learn all three [positions].”

Panthers coach Ron Rivera

Are there expectations for Norwood to earn a spot immediately?

“He comes out, flashes, does some really good things, he may earn it right away. Or it could be a period of time. It’s tough on him cause he’s going to have to learn an awful lot in the next day and a half before he gets to the football game, but he’s a smart player … He’s really sharp. He understands offensive football. He was in a good system coming out of college so we feel he’ll assimilate very nicely to us.”

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