Ron Rivera: "Steve Smith part of the plan right now"

[Dpantherman]

Rivera said he had a good conversation with veteran wideout Steve Smith, who has hinted at wanting out of Charlotte (and had his house on the market last year). Smith, who has two years left on his contract, could be stuck if there is a prolonged lockout.

Rivera indicated he expected Smith, at a minimum, to participate in the team's minicamp (provided a new CBA is in place in time for teams to stage minicamps).

“We have to go through the process and see how things fit and where he sees it. It's a touchy thing,” Rivera said of Smith. “We're going to have to wait until everything's cleared up and see where he is.

“But also, we've got to have our minicamp and all that when we get the opportunity and see how he fits with it, and see how it fits him and see if it's what we need and what we want, and we'll go from there. As far as I'm concerned, he's a part of what we are right now.”

Rivera said he appreciated Smith's candor and openness when they talked.

“We had a great discussion about him and what he would like and hopes to accomplish as a football player,” Rivera said.

http://blogs.charlotte.com/panthers/

[rayzor]

dangit. i hate you.

[C47]

You should know you can't beat him....I don't even try anymore....

[King Taharqa]

Good news. I'd still love to see #89 retire a Panther. I think if we get him a quality QB to get him the ball and put up some wins this season, it'll silence the "he wants out" chatter. Smitty is still a very productive player that can be a force in our offense.

[mav1234]

Smitty wants to win. I think he wants to be sure the Panthers are moving in the direction to win sooner rather than later.

[countryboi]

i think he is going to want to stay after he sees the changes the coaching staff has made

[Mr. Scot]

Pretty clear statement that he wants to keep him here, but also that he's prepared to move forward without him if it comes to that.

[Blitzkrieg Panther]

First of all let me say Smith is my Favorite Panther of all time, but I don't see us being a Playoff contender next year. Even with Clausen getting better and us drafting Fairley I think we are 2 years out from being a SB contender. Why not trade him while his value is still high and get another young'un to add to our core of young players. (2nd-3rd round pick) Maybe even a 2012 1rst rounder .

[C47]

First of all let me say Smith is my Favorite Panther of all time, but I don't see us being a Playoff contender next year. Even with Clausen getting better and us drafting Fairley I think we are 2 years out from being a SB contender. Why not trade him while his value is still high and get another young'un to add to our core of young players. (2nd-3rd round pick) Maybe even a 2012 1rst rounder .

Nobody is giving us a first next year for Steve Smith....we'll be lucky to get a fourth for him.....

[Dpantherman]

Nobody is giving us a first next year for Steve Smith....we'll be lucky to get a fourth for him.....

I don't understand why this is so difficult to grasp

[C47]

I don't understand why this is so difficult to grasp

Too much Madden me thinks....

[Dpantherman]

probably. They did a little better this year, but its still way off

[Guild]

Good to hear that a player on the team is part of the plan... I heard peanut butter was brown too.

[Highlandfire]

Pretty clear statement that he wants to keep him here, but also that he's prepared to move forward without him if it comes to that.

My only issue is waiting till the OTA's. I would rather have a draft pick this year than next but oh well.

Do I want him here, yes IF he is going to go 100% which I didn't see last year. It is clear he is disgusted and I understand that. But if he isn't going to go all in, then ship his ass while he has top value