Steve Smith will not get the chance to finish his NFL career with the Carolina Panthers, but there are plenty of teams willing to let the veteran play with them for a few more seasons. The Panthers released their all-time leading receiver on Thursday to make room for younger talent. After denying he planned on retiring, several teams are interested in his skills.
ESPN's Adam Schefter reports the Baltimore Ravens were the first to reach out to Smith about a potential deal. The Ravens' receiving corps never really looked right last season after they lost Anquan Boldin to free agency. The team has been targeting veteran receivers for help to alongside Torrey Smith and Dennis Pitta. Smith would be an excellent fit for the team. Quarterback Joe Flacco has been searching for reliable redzone targets and Smith fits that category.
However, the Ravens are not the only ones that plan on putting a call into Smith. Joseph Person of the Charlotte Observer reports the Dallas Cowboys are very interested in bringing on the veteran, believing they can sign him for cheap. The Cowboys officially released Miles Austin in order to save a large amount of salary cap space. That leads quarterback Tony Romo with Dez Bryant and Terrance Williams as his best options. History proves Romo needs more and Smith would fit. The only issue is that Dallas is targeting youth in order to build for the future and a 13-year veteran certainly is not that.
The San Diego Chargers and the Indianapolis Colts could be very interested in Smith, but only if they miss out on Hakeem Nicks. Both teams have scheduled meetings with Nicks for the coming days and could target Smith if they miss out. Right now, the Panthers are the frontrunner for the former New York Giant.
The Chargers need a lot of help in the receiving group for Philip Rivers. Beyond Kennan Allen, there is a lot of uncertainty in the group. Danario Alexander is unlikely to be back after suffering setbacks from an ACL injury. Smith would be a welcomes No. 3 for the team. The Colts are in the same boat. The team has T.Y. Hilton who emerged as a promising young candidate. Reggie Wayne is a veteran returning from an ACL tear and no one knows if he will bounce back. Playing for Andrew Luck could really entice Smith to sign.
Teams cannot officially begin negotiations with Smith until his release from the Panthers becomes official at 4 p.m. on Thursday. The veteran can expect a few phone calls and a deal sooner rather than later.
