How many more years does Steve Smith have left in the tank?

[Hoenheim]

haha, I'm just really curious to see what people think about steve smith, and players on the panthers' team. (and about the future in of the team in general...)

[rayzor]

Who is younger AND more proven than SS?

i meant more proven than a rookie.

[Mr. Scot]

like 2 broken arms in 9 months followed by a high ankle sprain?

i know lots of people hate hearing this, but we need to trade him away while he still has value. trade him for a 3rd round pick and then package that pick up with another to get a much younger WR stud. i don't want to waste/spend/whatever more draft picks on rookie WRs. i want his spot to go to a younger more proven commodity.

I don't think he's on the team next year.

Could be trade. Could be retirement. Could be requested release. Don't know how it'll happen, but believe it will.

[YoungPanthers89]

Over 9000!!!11!1

[Hoenheim]

over 9000??

[Brooklyn Bully]

I don't think he's on the team next year.

Could be trade. Could be retirement. Could be requested release. Don't know how it'll happen, but believe it will.

There is no way in hell Smith retires. If Ward is still playing at a high clip, being years older than Smitty, Smith has a ways to go. Now...I agree he may not always be a Panther but he will only retire when his body says it can't do it anymore.

[Mr. Scot]

There is no way in hell Smith retires. If Ward is still playing at a high clip, being years older than Smitty, Smith has a ways to go. Now...I agree he may not always be a Panther but he will only retire when his body says it can't do it anymore.

Watching this season, I get the definite impression his body may be starting to say that.

[OneBadassCat]

how come he hasn't been getting too many receptions this season? is it because he can't get open? quarterback not looking for him? offensive line problems?

QB woes and offensive line. He's still getting open.

[Hoenheim]

WTH is up with our offensive line? i almost thing that this should be a thread by itself.

[ladypanther]

Smitty will retire a Panther, but not anytime soon. The new offense will be good for him, and he will be good for it.

[OneBadassCat]

One thing you have to realize is that Smith should not have to carry this team anymore. Whether he wants to or not, whether his body can or can't do it, whether he still has the talent to or to not do it, whether Fox wants him to, or whether Smith actually wants to. He shouldn't have to period. It's absolutely ridiculous that we haven't been able to find a WR worth a damn to help him.

He is a once in a decade player and has been the main reason for this franchises success throughout the years. Dare I say a good QB and decent #2 WR are owed to the man. At least get a better passing system. Gettis and LaFell are encouraging though. FINALLY.

[Wither]

i know lots of people hate hearing this, but we need to trade him away while he still has value.

You... you...

[Woodie]

I don't think he's on the team next year.

Could be trade. Could be retirement. Could be requested release. Don't know how it'll happen, but believe it will.

I agree. His game is based on speed and explosiveness, and I think we are seeing the signs that his style is starting to take a toll. The thing about most of the receivers that last well into their 30's is that their game is based more on the intricacies of playing the position, not the physicality that defines Smitty.

I also believe that Smitty is losing that fire that has kept him going. It's not gone yet, but the signs are there. I think his "I don't need to be #1" comment from the offseason was the first indication he's about ready to ramp it down. And I don't think he will want to participate in the rebuilding of the Panthers. He'll want to go somewhere that he can win a ring and relax a bit before calling it quits. So I think he will either ask for a trade or maybe even his release once the season is over. And if the team refuses, I wouldn't be at all surprised to see him announce his retirement.

[woody]

Yeah I think he's wearing down a bit. Comparing him to TO is kinda unfair because TO doesn't have to rely on speed and quickness like Steve does. TO also has like 40 pounds on Steve. I'd say someone thats 225 lbs and 6'2 would hold up better than someone that is 5'9 185lbs.