Steve Smith has a message to the Carolina Panthers, "Ice up son." The all-time leading receiver for the NFC South team is not thrilled after being shown the door on Thursday. Smith has played 14 years for Carolina, but was cut in favor of salary cap relief. The veteran did not take things too well and released a slight warning to the Panthers while talking himself up to potential suitors.
Smith went on WFNZ's "Bustin' Loose" in Charlotte to discuss his release from the Panthers. Smith knew the move was coming after general manager Dave Gettleman had hinted the team needed more salary cap space and the receiver might have played his final game for the franchise. While praising the Charlotte community as his "home", Smith shot out a warning to his former team.
"They're going to get the best, in-shape 35-year old guy that they can get. And if that happens to run through Bank of America Stadium, put your goggles on because there is going to be blood and guts everywhere," Smith said. "It's a new chapter in this book of my life. But there are phrases in this chapter that will carry on...ICE UP SON!"
Smith could be with a new team as early as the weekend. The Baltimore Ravens have a visit scheduled with the receiver on Friday, hoping he can be a missing link to their struggling receiver's corps. After getting Jacoby Jones to take less money to return, Baltimore is hoping Smith does the same thing to join.
The Baltimore Sun reports that Smith is favoring the Ravens as a landing spot. The San Diego Chargers and Tampa Bay Buccaneers have shown interest, as well as the New England Patriots. However, Baltimore meets every need Smith has including a winning environment and close proximity to his Charlotte home. There is also the schedule factor. The Ravens will host the Panthers in 2014.
If Smith wants to sign with Baltimore a pay cut will be likely. The receiver was a $7 million salary cap hit for 2014 and the Ravens cannot afford to give him the same deal. He is also coming off a down season of just 745 yards while recoding 11.6 yards per catch. The Ravens are interested in Julian Edelman of the Patriots, but could miss out him due to contract demands. Smith would be a solid fit.