Steve Smith reaches out to PFW to address trade rumors

[OneBadassCat]

looking at the other receivers in his "class," not even close.

I don't buy that. No WR has ever won the triple crown twice or had a triple crown season and break 2,000 yds.

[grateflday]

I am all for Smith wanting to stay here, for the Panthers to be competitive and then I will add....... winning a Superbowl in 2-3yrs with Cam as our QB and Smith as one of the Wr's :cool:

[TheWiz]

Ok, think about this...

Steve Smith is one of the only players, other than John Kasay, left on this team who were actually there when the Carolina Panthers played in the Superbowl! You have to imagine what kinda decision this is for him...

He has seen almost everyone that he's played with either retire, traded, released, or just let go. The coach that gave him a shot is no longer with the organization... and with last years youth movement, he's the only guy to survive. Last year was in my opinion the worst season the Panthers have ever had... (yes even worse than the 1-15 season.)

So bring in an entire new coaching staff with a totally new vision.... a hopeful franchise QB.... and a pending lockout... Then its suddenly about much more than... "Smitty is selfish cause he doesnt wanna be a Panther anymore." He put his house on the market because apparently... He's close to JR, and he was trying to prepare himself financially for what was about to come.

All he's saying is... Im prepared for anything. He doesn't know whether the new staff wants to keep him... or if they're moving in a new direction... or if there will even be any football played this season. He's just preparing himself for whatever scenario there is.

I think the longer the lockout goes on, the better the chances we have of retaining Smitty. I like our chances either way... because Ron Rivera seems to be the kind of coach who can convince guys to come play for him... IE: Jeremy Shockey. I actually think we have a better chance of re-signing Smitty than we do with Deangelo.

[Panther59]

Who would be a good replacement for Smitty?

A 4th rounder in 2012?

FA Randy Moss?

FA Terrell Owens?

FA Ocho Cinco?

Do you think that any of these "top talents" would have sat quietly and played the team fiddle while they went 2-14? I'd take SS any day over those guys, "whining" and all.

I'd be upset if he hadn't been mad as hell last year. I sure was.

The notion that Cam would be hurt by SS being on the team is laughable on it's face. Cam needs a sure handed vet receiver who knows how to get separation, how to fake the route and who CAN block. Smith excels in all these areas, and Cam needs that kind of talent on a raw team of first and second year players who couldn't pick up a blitz in a Panzer.

But Steel, he'll whine when he doesn't get the ball!?! :willy_nilly:

If :cam: is half the leader that RR is selling us, that won't be an issue. I've heard it time and time again, Winning solves EVERYTHING! And even the Cam haters have to agree that he is a Winner, because his record on the gridiron tells us so.

But please, hate on SS because no matter what you say, he'll prove you wrong.

Strong candidate for Post of the f***ing year!!! :cam:

[SirPanther]

I want him to stay. Cam + Smitty could be fun to watch.

[Ricky Spanish]

"I do understand that statistically people will look at (my contract) and say, 'You're not worth it.' My answer to that is this: Line me up on the field, give me a year, and I will make sure I'll be worth it — even a little bit more."

I loved what he said there. every time you assholes try and make me hate steve smith he goes and does something to make me love him again.

[Pox 08]

I'd love for Smith to stay, if he's on board with the Newton/Clausen experience.

Smith is good at getting into the heads of opposing CBs. He can also be great at getting into the heads of rookie qbs, if he wants to.

[jtnc]

He's also a great blocker.

[Fiz]

I don't buy that. No WR has ever won the triple crown twice or had a triple crown season and break 2,000 yds.

it doesn't matter what you do or do not buy. It's the way it fuging is.

Let's just say that he'll be competing with players drafted from 1999-2003, a good five year span.

Torry Holt

Donald Driver

Reggie Wayne

Chad Johnson

He's behind those four in yards, receptions, and receiving touchdowns.

Then compare him to the guys in the 1996 - 1998 draft.

Keyshawn Johnson

Marvin Harrison

Randy Moss

Hines Ward

Eric Moulds

That's what he has to get to.

Smith will not sniff the hall of fame, regardless if he gets 2,000 yards or the Triple Crown again. WR is a production stat, and he doesn't have it. You can hold out hope that he goes to new england, puts up 6,000 yards in 3 years, and wins 3 Super Bowl MVPs, but that's probably not going to happen.

[Mr. Scot]

I loved what he said there. every time you assholes try and make me hate steve smith he goes and does something to make me love him again.

Understood, but in fairness, pretty much every player who's stuck around one year too long has said something along those same lines.

[OneBadassCat]

Fiz if he could manage to get the triple crown again that would have to be a close lock for the HOF. That would be a showcase of phenomenal talent despite his career stats which are really hindered by outside circumstances.

[ncmonzta]

[Montsta]

Hasn't Smitty called in to radio stations before to address media BS? I swear I remember him doing it during the whole "Jake, you are a good person but a shitty QB" sideline drama a couple years back.

Gotta love a guy that calls out the media. Bunch of asshats and drama queens.

[DaveThePanther2008]

I guess it all depends on Cams leadership skills even as a rookie. I know Cam won't be able to stretch any field with Brandon Lafell or David Gettis as a number 1 receiver.

Steve loves stretching the field and given the opportunity to he will. I would like to see him working with Chudz a couple of weeks before they make a decision. I slightly disagree with you on Gettis. I think he has the speed to stretch the field, I just don't think he has the experience.

We may end up trading him but you cannot leave the WR Corps in the hand of a bunch of second year players and a bunch of journeymen WRs. IMO trading Smitty makes no sense because you are going to have to bring in a Veteran WR.

ONLY possible trade I would make is for Vincent Jackson STRAIGHT UP. I would only do that because Jackson has some experience in the Chudz offense and could mentor our WRs.

Overall I think he stays. I think Chudz and Rivera see how valuable he will be helping stretch the defense. Well that is once the Lockout is lifted.

I like what he said about his house