It appears Smith may have indeed forced Jake's release..

[Khyber53]

Look, at one time, Smitty was on pace for a Hall of Fame type career. Then, the last couple of years, it started tailing off. He punched out Lucas in practice out of frustration at being covered to hard. Then this year, he pretty much lets it be known during games that he's frustrated with Jake's play.

I said it last season, that our corners weren't pushing him hard enough in practice anymore because he had intimidated them, which meant Smitty wasn't made to put up his best all of the time. And then his QB buddy starts tanking and while he didn't publicly throw Jake under the bus, he did hip check him a couple of times off the curb into traffic.

Hopefully Smitty has gotten what he feels he needs to be a phenom again and can bring it to the games -- making circus catches, breaking tackles and snapping ankles. If not, then he's going to turn into the angry version of Chad Johnson -- all hat and no cattle.

[uncpanther]

I have proof that this is shenanigans:

[Wither]

I honestly don't see the bad things you guys are saying about Smith. Him tailing off? Slacking off? What?

[Proudiddy]

Makes sense, considering Smitty hasn't come out and made any kind of statement after the release.

Kind of sad considering all that they accomplished together. Although it was detrimental at times that Jake locked onto Smitty, it also gave Smitty the ability to show out and accomplish the things he did.

That whole "you're not a good QB" joke caught on the game highlights last year doesn't appear to be such a joke. I don't blame Smitty considering how much Jake was struggling, but it is definitely disappointing to hear him act that way when they seemed so close before.

So in return, he might be a great player, but not much of a guy. How would it have affected Smitty if Jake returned as the backup?

[Drithe]

Isn't Smith over 30?

NEVER! Well at least his heart isnt. To see him play at the stadium while on the 40 yard line is a thing of beauty.

End of Line.

[Montsta]

I think everyone can understand why Smitty might have said this or felt this way, but I find it hilarious that Smitty is basically given free reign to act any way he wants.

Can you imagine Beason demanding a trade if we didn't cut Kemo? Williams demanding a trade if we didn't cut Hoover?

Everyone is so in love with Smith that he gets a free pass for making such comments. I can totally understand why he would feel that way, I just think it's laughable that so many on here are like, "Good for him for stepping up."

While I see your point BB, I must state the obvious difference in that Hoov and Kemo are/were both productive. I don't think the players named specifically were your actual point, but I think I get what you're trying to say.

It's always tough for the superstar WR's, because like no other position in football, you can't do a damn thing if the guy slinging you the rock can't do his job.

[X-Clown]

When has Zod ever been right on his inside sources? I frankly don't believe this for a second.

Probably as many times as you have been right about anything - but that doesn't stop you from making I told you so threads when it happens. Keep in mind that an inside source could be an informed opinion from someone in the organization at that particular moment and that it may or not may be what ends up happening. Just because that source doesn't have a link to Darin Gantt writing it or an NFL.com story doesn't mean there isn't truth in it.

[SmokeScreen]

thank you smitty for opening your mouth cuz if you didn't i would had requested for your release.

[OneBadassCat]

But why would they have to cut Jake? They could have just made Moore the unquestioned starter.

[Darth Bobo]

Zod's title is worded carefully....

Hypothetically, if Smith actually had made the demand Zod described, it could only have expedited a burning decision that the Panthers were already considering. I'm sure the BigCat would try to consider the perspective of his stars, but he wouldn't yield to them if he disagreed with what they say. The team belongs to him.

I doubt seriously that Delhomme would have been paid in full and released were this not an uncapped year. I think that shows that the decision was made because of a unique FINANCIAL opportunity, and not because of some demand that Smith could have made.

As for what Peppers said on TV, it can only be meant to smooth his transition as a Bear. Post-exodus chatter means nothing to Panther fans or their team.

I don't think it is wise for a player to make those kinds of demands from their organization. People who view others as expendable, make themselves more expendable. Smith is our best receiver, but he won't be for long, and there's a lot of mistakes he could make to make a departure happen faster.

Dissing Jake is one of those.

[Sam Mills Fan]

Probably as many times as you have been right about anything - but that doesn't stop you from making I told you so threads when it happens. Keep in mind that an inside source could be an informed opinion from someone in the organization at that particular moment and that it may or not may be what ends up happening. Just because that source doesn't have a link to Darin Gantt writing it or an NFL.com story doesn't mean there isn't truth in it.

Dear, there's no comparison. I've never once claimed to have inside information with the Panthers. Zod frequently does and is wrong every single time, yet we're all pretending like he's Jay Glazer now?

[OneBadassCat]

Dear, there's no comparison. I've never once claimed to have inside information with the Panthers. Zod frequently does and is wrong every single time, yet we're all pretending like he's Jay Glazer now?

You better watch out. You might get released.

[err456]

Smith did not dictate Jake's release, just made known his desire to be traded if there was not a change. The front office chose Smitty over Jake.

very smart choice!

[Murph]

But why would they have to cut Jake? They could have just made Moore the unquestioned starter.

Because Smith knows that as long as Jake is on the roster and Fox is the coach, favortism will surface eventually.