My friend and colleague Scott Fowler wrote in today’s Observer that bringing wide receiver Muhsin Muhammad back would be a great idea. Well, it would at least be controversial. Some pros and cons:

IT’S A GOOD MOVE BECAUSE

++Muhammad has experience in coach John Fox’s offense, is a friend of fellow receiver Steve Smith and is familiar with Jake Delhomme as a quarterback.

++He’s a strong blocker, and could be a factor in a rejuvenated ground game.

++Given the stage of his career and the fact that he already lives in Charlotte, he will give the Panthers a hometown discount--maybe even take the veteran’s minimum of less than $1. million, to play for Carolina.

IT’S A BAD MOVE BECAUSE

++Muhammad will soon turn 35; most 35-year-old wideouts are in decline in the NFL. And he is in decline. In 2004, his last season with the Panthers, Muhammad caught 93 passes, gained 1,405 yards and scored 16 TDs. He’s been slipping ever since; last season, he had 40 receptions for 570 yards and three scores.

Because of that, he won’t be the No. 2 receiver who can take the pressure (and all those double-teams) off Smith. One of Carolina’s most important offseason goals is to find that second guy. Muhammad was it once upon a time, but no longer.

++Are we sure about that hometown discount? Muhammad jumped to Chicago and the big money immediately after that 2004 season, even though Carolina believed it had made him a fair offer.

Sure, Moose played well when he was here, and maybe you like him. In the NFL, sentiment and $1 will get you a cup of coffee.

So what do you think?

Even if Carolina cuts Keary Colbert and possibly Drew Carter, they won’t give up on Dwayne Jarrett after just one season. But they can’t be convinced that Dwayne Jarrett is ready to be that second receiver yet, so they’ve got to add someone.

The negatives mean that paying for Muhammad again at this stage is difficult to justify.

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