It was out with the old and in with the new for the Carolina Panthers. After Carolina’s recent draft acquistion of USC wide receiver Dwayne Jarrett, ex-USC receiver Keyshawn Johnson got the boot. Top overall draft pick in 1996, the soon to be 35 year old Johnson still outplays many of his younger counterparts, wracking up a sizable 815 yards in his single season with the Panthers. Now he’s a free agent. And with a number of teams in need of solid a wide out, the very factor that aided Keyshawn’s release may become his most valuable asset: his age.

The NFL is fickle. Just ask recent Heisman Trophy winner Troy Smith and National Championship QB Chris Leak. If the system is so unsympathetic to hot new recruits, imagine how it treats the older generation of player. Just like any muti-billion dollar company the NFL doesn’t ask “what have you done for me?” Rather it asks “what have you done for me TODAY?” That is exactly why despite Keyshawn’s legendary success and continued accomplishments, he’s become an NFL orphan; forced to wander the franchise streets until some wealthy owner invites him into his home. Lucky for Keyshawn, there are a number of teams that could benefit from the experience, not to mention the yards, he has to offer.

With the San Diego Chargers reportedly saying “nay” on a Keyshawn bid, I’ve compiled a short list on the two rumored candidates for Keyshawn’s new home:

Green Bay: Green Bay QB Brett Favre has been vocally upset about the Packers’ missed opportunity to snag ex-Oakland receiver Randy Moss. With 3,885 yards passing last year, Favre still has a huge arm. He just needs a huge set of hands to boost his game. The Packers could definitely use a third man to bump up the Donald Driver, Greg Jennings threat.

Tennessee Titans: Tennessee seems the most likely bet. The Titans’ reasonable 2006 successes had little to do with their passing game. The team, in fact, only had a single receiver to break 500 yards (Drew Bennett with 737). Yes, Tennessee did draft three young receivers, but the new recruits come from a smaller, injury plagued and untested stock. As a player and mentor, Keyshawn Johnson would quickly become an asset to the team, both on and off the field.

And then there’s the most important aspect of all. The strong USC–Titans connection. Tennessee head coach Jeff Fischer was a player on the USC 1978 championship team. Former USC/Carroll offensive coordinator Norm Chow is now Tennessee’s current offensive go-to-guru. And of course, there’s Lendale White, a growing force in Tennessees young offense.

Wherever Keyshawn falls, he will be a force to be reckoned with. Soon to be 35, he’s still climbing charts and pushing records. But one thing is for certain: he better land somewhere and he better do it fast. Time is no longer on his side. Not because of his age, but because of a fickle NFL system. He must find a home before NFL amnesia sets in and he’s bumped aside for the next flavor of the draft. It’s nothing personal…just business. But as of this moment, Keyshawn Johnson still remains a remarkable player, and not just some black and white statistic in a catalogue of NFL records. At least for today…