Panthers WR Smith 'not really focusing on next year'

[E CaT PanTHer]

http://www.nfl.com/news/story/09000d5d81d172d3/article/panthers-wr-smith-not-really-focusing-on-next-year?module=HP_headlines

Honestly, I don't see Smitty here next year. Not because he put his house on the market, but just the fact that the Panthers are clearly rebuilding and Smitty's career is numbered. If he wants a chance at a ring, I think Jerry should trade him. It kills me to say that, but I would see where Smitty is coming from if he decides to demand a trade.

[PhillyB]

Smith said recent news that he met with Richardson is nothing unusual and, "We'll always talk, whether I'm an employee here or not. The relationship I have with Mr. Richardson is very unique."

Smith declined to say if he discussed his future or the direction of the team in his recent chat with Richardson, the only ex-player who currently owns an NFL franchise.

"What me and Mr. Richardson talk about for the last 10 years will not be said in front of cameras or recorders," Smith said. "That's an authentic relationship. The kind of guy I am, I don't really talk about things like that because then it waters down what we really have."

I find that part interesting. Could be interpreted just about any way.

I have to imagine that if Smitty and Richardson are as tight as he says they are, that they had a very honest conversation in that JR didn't try to bullpoo him. Smitty probably told him how he felt, JR probably told him what the plan moving forward is.

Smith isn't stupid enough to just demand a trade right off the bat (which is what a lot of people suspect happened during that meeting.) And I'm willing to bet that if we have an exciting offseason and bring in a great head coach, a young offensive coordinator, and empty the wallet for talent, Smitty will realize that he's got a great thing going here and could end his career with a ring.

Just makes it that much more critical for the CBA to get signed so Jerry can shell out the cake.

[D34Williams]

I see nothing said here to back up the fact that people, like you, that say he's gone next year. I think for anyone who has been a fan of Steve Smith over the years or not, you know what to expect when he says some of the things he says. Whether it's 'I don't want to be the number one receiver anymore' or 'I'm not really focusing on next year', Smitty is a guy that says some stuff that he sometimes proves to be true either with his play and actions, or with his intellect. This more shows me that he's just staying focused on what's at hand, instead of putting something out there and speculating on the future. I still believe that Steve Smith, (along with DeAngelo Williams), will both retire Panthers.

[Kurb]

I could see him going to the Chargers for the 3rd or 4th

Not 100 sure he asked to be traded.

I think he wanted to hear "The Plan" from Richardson.

[Anybodyhome]

1. House has been on the market since before training camp.

2. He is the NFLPA rep for the Panthers and is very likely to have been one of 32 player reps directed by the union to meet with their owners over an issue completely aside from a single game.

3. He is also one of the senior players on the team and perhaps felt it was his duty to speak with JR following the "letter."

4. It could be 9 million other things nobody here knows about. Smith may be pissed because he wrote a letter to JR and he didn't get a call back like so many of us.....

[PhillyB]

I think he wanted to hear "The Plan" from Richardson.

i am almost 100% sure this is the case.

[D34Williams]

1. House has been on the market since before training camp.

2. He is the NFLPA rep for the Panthers and is very likely to have been one of 32 player reps directed by the union to meet with their owners over an issue completely aside from a single game.

3. He is also one of the senior players on the team and perhaps felt it was his duty to speak with JR following the "letter."

4. It could be 9 million other things nobody here knows about. Smith may be pissed because he wrote a letter to JR and he didn't get a call back like so many of us.....

This is why. He's traded. Consider him gone tomorrow for 19 7th round pics.

[MHS831]

QUOTE Anybodyhome 2. He is the NFLPA rep for the Panthers and is very likely to have been one of 32 player reps directed by the union to meet with their owners over an issue completely aside from a single game.

I thought Kasay was the rep. Am I wrong?

[Anybodyhome]

QUOTE Anybodyhome 2. He is the NFLPA rep for the Panthers and is very likely to have been one of 32 player reps directed by the union to meet with their owners over an issue completely aside from a single game.

I thought Kasay was the rep. Am I wrong?

John Kasay Primary with Steve Smith and Jason Baker as alternates...

http://www.nflplayers.com/About-us/NFLPA-Officers/NFLPA-Board-of-Player-Reps/

[brandon_87]

Not 100 sure he asked to be traded.

I think he wanted to hear "The Plan" from Richardson.

I think that is more like it

[Mr. Burgundy]

I dont think Smitty's focused on this year either

[KillerKat]

I know player for player trades are very rare in the nfl but the situation in San Diego with Jackson and the situation here with Smith could shape up perfectly for such a trade.

[Delhommey]

P4P trades have been historically low because of the cap. We've seen a few more this year due to the absence of a cap, but I'd guess it still remains fairly rare because of the lack of historical precedent to set value.

I'd say it could happen before the next CBA except I don't think Richardson makes any major moves until an agreement is reached.

[GotSwag?]

All depends on if we get Luck. Be patient Smitty. Luck will be our guy and this team will be good again immediately!