Jeremy Shockey, who visited with and passed a physical for the Dolphins last week, plans to visit the Panthers. It is not known if Shockey is negotiating a contract with Miami. The tight end was released by the Saints earlier this month.

Panthers coach Ron Rivera said Thursday that the team, which holds the first overall pick in April's NFL Draft, is looking at "seven to 10 guys." He hinted that the selection could be made on a quarterback, despite the drafting of Jimmy Clausen last spring. "We do believe you need to have a franchise quarterback," Rivera said.

The Panthers have decided not to place their franchise tag on running back DeAngelo Williams, according to a source. Carolina will either tag center Ryan Kalil or defensive end Charles Johnson, which will allow Williams to become an unrestricted free agent and potentially leave the team. Kalil, 25, is coming off his second straight Pro Bowl season. Johnson, 24, led the Panthers with 11? sacks. A first-round pick in 2006, Williams holds the franchise mark for career rushing yards (4,211) and rushing touchdowns (31).

The Panthers intend to place their franchise tag on a player next week before team officials depart for the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis, a league source said Friday. Three players -- running back DeAngelo Williams, center Ryan Kalil and defensive end Charles Johnson -- are being considered for the tag. Carolina will likely place the tag on one of the lineman, according to the source.

New Panthers head coach Ron Rivera sees wide receiver Steve Smith as part of the team's future. Smith has hinted at his desire to move on and put his house on the market in 2010, despite two years remaining on his contract. "We had a great discussion about him and what he would like and hopes to accomplish as a football player," Rivera said. "We have to go through the process and see how things fit and where he sees it. It's a touchy thing. We're going to have to wait until everything's cleared up and see where he is."