Jarrett Boykin signs with Panthers

Two years after a breakout season, receiver Jarrett Boykin is no longer with the Green Bay Packers.

Boykin, a free agent, signed a one-year contract with the Carolina Panthers on Friday. It will be a homecoming for the former Virginia Tech receiver, who grew up in Charlotte.

"It means a lot being from the area and having the opportunity to come back and get a chance to play for the Panthers," Boykin said in a statement released through the Panthers' team website. "But at the end of the day, it still boils down to how I go about my business on the field. I have to prove myself all over again."

Boykin arrived in Green Bay three years ago as an undrafted free agent. After a quiet first season, he flashed potential in 2013 with 49 catches, 681 yards and three touchdowns while replacing an injured Randall Cobb.

When last season opened, Boykin was expected to emerge as the No. 3 receiver in Green Bay's offense. He never secured that role. While Boykin finished last season with three catches and 23 yards, rookie Davante Adams stepped into the third receiver role.

Boykin's departure isn't a surprise. Adams, a second-round pick, appears to be a potential future starter for the Packers. Green Bay is also trying to develop second-year receivers Jeff Janis and Jared Abbrederis.

With a young, promising group of receivers, Boykin will get the chance for a fresh start in his hometown.

-rwood@gannett.com and follow him on Twitter @ByRyanWood