Another seasoned veteran has joined Ron Rivera and the Carolina Panthers’ coaching staff this week. Ricky Proehl, a former NFL player for several teams including the Panthers, has found his way back to Carolina. The team hired Proehl as an offensive consultant for next season, and he’ll work alongside new wide receivers coach Fred Graves as the Panthers construct a revamped offense this offseason.

Proehl is no rookie when it comes to NFL offense, as he spent 17 years in the league as a wide receiver. Proehl was drafted out of Wake Forest in 1990 to the Cardinals, also spending time with the Seattle Seahawks, Chicago Bears, St. Louis Rams, Indianapolis Colts and, of course, the Carolina Panthers. During his tenure on the football field, Proehl played in four Super Bowls, and he finished his career with 669 receptions for 8,878 total yards and 54 touchdowns.

Now that he’s been tapped as an offensive consultant for the Panthers, speculation is astir that disgruntled receiver Steve Smith will want to stay with the team for the long run. Smith had an off year in 2010 thanks in part to the Panthers’ dismal quarterbacking situation, and he’s been quick to let out his frustrations. With the additions of Graves and Proehl to the offense, however, Smith might now have more a reason to want to stay with the Panthers instead of seeking out a trade.

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