AP

Cornerback Captain Munnerlyn said recently that he anticipated returning to the Panthers if the team released Chris Gamble, which Carolina did late last week.

Munnerlyn hasn’t signed a contract with the Panthers yet, though, and it looks like they’ll have plenty of competition for his services. Nate Ulrich of the Akron Beacon Journal reports that the Browns have been in contact with Munnerlyn’s agent since the 87-hour negotiating window opened on Saturday. The Browns are looking for both a starter opposite Joe Haden as well as an upgrade in the slot when they go to a nickel, a role that Munnerlyn has played in Carolina.

That report comes on the heels of one from Aaron Wilson of the Baltimore Sun that had four teams making inquiries about Munnerlyn, who has also returned punts during his four years with the Panthers. Munnerlyn’s made 25 starts over the last two years, picking off two passes and returning both of them for touchdowns.

That’s been enough to catch eyes around the league and the Panthers would be left to seriously scramble for help on the corners if Munnerlyn leaves town. With Gamble gone, the Panthers have Josh Norman and Josh Thomas at the top of a very thin cornerback depth chart. Given that state of affairs, it is easy to understand why the Panthers are looking to tackle Jordan Gross for help adding space under the salary cap.