Tweet
The Carolina Panthers have put wide receiver Steve Smith on the trading block, the NFL Network reports. Unfortunately, that just means Smith is closer to the chopping block after 13 seasons with the team.
When I asked Panthers WR S. Smith what's going on w/ the sale of his jersey on the team's online store he text, "your guess is as good mine"
— Josina Anderson (@JosinaAnderson) March 10, 2014
The Panthers are trying to deal Smith, who turns 35 in May, to avoid taking a $7 million salary cap hit in 2014. At that current contract, it will be difficult to move a five-time Pro Bowler coming off a season with diminished returns (64 receptions, 745 yards, four touchdowns).
Wide receiver is a big positional need for Carolina, which is working to build on an NFC South-winnning season and become better around quarterback Cam Newton. If Smith moves on, there's a good chance the Panthers field two new starting wideouts in '14. Brandon LaFell becomes an unrestricted free agent on Tuesday.
From the outside, it seems the Panthers could benefit from keeping Smith for a 14th season. But it's clear that general manager Dave Gettleman would prefer that happens with Smith taking a lesser role. As a proud veteran who may not be the mentor or situational player type, Smith's better bet may be being let go with a chance to land on another contender.
When I asked Panthers WR S. Smith what's going on w/ the sale of his jersey on the team's online store he text, "your guess is as good mine"
— Josina Anderson (@JosinaAnderson) March 10, 2014
The Panthers are trying to deal Smith, who turns 35 in May, to avoid taking a $7 million salary cap hit in 2014. At that current contract, it will be difficult to move a five-time Pro Bowler coming off a season with diminished returns (64 receptions, 745 yards, four touchdowns).
Wide receiver is a big positional need for Carolina, which is working to build on an NFC South-winnning season and become better around quarterback Cam Newton. If Smith moves on, there's a good chance the Panthers field two new starting wideouts in '14. Brandon LaFell becomes an unrestricted free agent on Tuesday.
From the outside, it seems the Panthers could benefit from keeping Smith for a 14th season. But it's clear that general manager Dave Gettleman would prefer that happens with Smith taking a lesser role. As a proud veteran who may not be the mentor or situational player type, Smith's better bet may be being let go with a chance to land on another contender.