Ex-Alabama wide receiver Kevin Norwood journeyed from the west coast to the east coast Sunday, as Seattle traded him to the Carolina Panthers. He has to battle for a starting spot, yet Norwood made a strong first impression Thursday night against Pittsburgh.

He was targeted twice and caught both passes for 40 yards.

Carolina defeated the Steelers 23-6, improving its preseason mark to 3-1. Opportunities for Norwood may be better in Carolina than Seattle. The Panthers will be without Kelvin Benjamin (knee) this season, and second-round pick Devin Funchess is still learning the system.

Jerricho Cotchery and Ted Ginn, Jr., are both veterans, but Norwood can provide fifth-year quarterback Cam Newton a safety valve on third down.

Stephen M. Smith is a senior analyst and columnist for Touchdown Alabama Magazine and SB Nation. You can “like” him on Facebook or “follow” him on Twitter, via @ESPN_Future.

Stephen M. Smith

Stephen Smith is a 2015 graduate of the University of Alabama. He is a senior writer and reporter for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. He has covered Alabama football for 15 years and his knowledge and coverage of the Crimson Tide's program have made him among the most respected journalist in his field. Smith has been featured on ESPN and several other marquee outlets as an analyst.