Steve Smith has only ever known Carolina. The all-time leading wide receiver for the Panthers has spent 13 years with the team after getting drafted in the third round back in 2001. While his numbers might have been down last season, he is still a threat who intends on playing a few more seasons, in Carolina. However, the Panthers do not share the same commitment.
ESPN's Adam Schefter reports the Panthers are currently shopping Smith and gauging the trade market for wide receivers. Smith is currently scheduled to be a $7 million salary cap hit for the Panthers. During the NFL scouting combine, general manager Dave Gettleman confirmed that was certainly a heavy hit for one player and the Panthers would be considering their options. That was news to Smith who was not happy to hear his status with the team was questionable. He opted not to dive into details when speaking with the media.
"Here's all I have to say about it," Smith said, via ESPN.com. "I am working out and doing all the things as I am a Carolina Panther. That's where I am. And I'll continue to move forward until I am told otherwise."
Smith turns 35 in May, so age is not on his side. He is coming off a season of low numbers where he only put up 745 yards and four touchdowns. However, Smith has the resume to get teams interested in acquiring him. He might not be a No. 1 guy anymore, but several franchises are in need of decent rotational threats.
The New York Giants are in need of wide receivers. Right now, the team has Victor Cruz and a lot of uncertainty. Hakeem Nicks is predicted to leave alongside both tight ends. While the Giants certainly want someone marquee to run alongside Cruz, Smith could be a decent option for depth.
The Detroit Lions are another team looking for veteran help. The Lions have released Nate Burleson. Ryan Broyles is coming off several injuries in a row. Like the Giants, the Lions want someone young and quick to pair up next to Johnson, but also need strong depth. Smith still has enough left in him to put up some numbers with Matthew Stafford.
The chances the Panthers are able to trade Smith are slim. Given his age and salary cap hit, no one will be willing to take him on. The question becomes whether or not Carolina simply releases their all-time receiver just a few years prior to retirement. If they were to release him, Smith would be owed $3 million. So do the Panthers keep him and pay the $7 million or release him and pay the $3 million?
