Last October I argued that the Carolina Panthers were one of the losers at the NFL trade deadline because they didn't trade a few of their pieces, including WR Steve Smith. The Panthers are clearly rebuilding and Smith could net a draft pick in a trade.
What Is Steve Smith’s Future With Carolina Panthers?
He's entering the final two years of his deal after signing a six-year, $43 million contract in 2007. The Panthers haven't indicated that they're willing to trade him. In fact, they've done several things to indicate they won't trade him such as hiring his former college receivers coach and drafting QB Cam Newton No. 1 overall in the 2011 NFL draft. Smith and QB Jimmy Clausen didn't have the best of relationships.
So what will happen with Smith? Apparently, if it’s up to him, he’ll be traded. Carolina Growl reports that they’ve been told repeatedly by sources that Smith has already told the team he wants to be traded.
On the one hand, it makes a lot of sense to trade Smith because, as we said above, the Panthers are rebuilding and need more draft picks to reload. On the other hand, it doesn’t make sense because Newton, who could start as a rookie, needs all the help he can get on offense.
Nothing can happen until the NFL lockout is lifted. Once that happens, expect more Steve Smith trade rumors to start popping up. He would make sense for a team that’s ready to contend now.
Check out Cat Scratch Reader for more on Smith and the Panthers plans.
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