Kirkwood (hamstring) should benefit from his existing familiarity with Panthers wide receiver coach Frisman Jackson, fellow wideout Robby Anderson and quarterback Teddy Bridgewater as he heads into his first season with Carolina, Myles Simmons of the team's official site reports.
Kirkwood spent the past two seasons in New Orleans alongside Bridgewater, while Jackson was his position coach for two of his collegiate seasons at Temple, where he shared a receiver room with Anderson. The 26-year-old was limited to only one game last year due to the hamstring issue before signing with the Panthers this offseason. Now healthy, Kirkwood will compete with Seth Roberts and Pharoh Cooper for the No. 4 spot on the depth chart in camp.