Steve Smith reaches out to PFW to address trade rumors

[Rhys]

Gantt:

He practices harder than any player I've ever seen. But no one is entitled to a title. RT @Pantherfan4life: 89 DESERVES a ring too...

[Jpjr]

For the love of all that is holy, keep Smith.

The man says he wants to be on a team that is competitive. If we can't give him that then what are we all wasting our time here for?

Also, for everyone saying whether or not Smith would be "good" for Cam, please stfu.

You're speculating based on his chemistry with Clausen, arguing that since Cam will be a rookie QB next season he is in some way similar to Pickles this past season.

A scared little tiny-handed stuck-up golden domer from Thousand Oaks California who's never really won anything since high school yet is on the cover of ESPN magazine with the title 'Golden Arm' is FAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAR from Cam by-god Newton.

Newton wants to EARN respect, and from everything I've seen and heard of the guy, chemistry with the team shouldn't be a problem.

He's on the least competitive team in the NFL. I don't think you need to be a code-breaker to figure out he's saying he wants to leave.

[thefuzz]

They do care about the Chip on the Shoulder if it makes them great which Smitty is. Criteria is NOT ONLY NUMBERS. How they changed the game and how they were feared. You name me ONE defensive Coordinator that didn't fear Steve Smith. OUTSIDE OUR OWN!!!!!!!!

Small market has nothing to do with it.. Neither does rings. Marino doesn't have one, Kelly doesn't have one.

I believe Jerry Rice 1987 was the last year before Smitty did it in 05.

He may not be first ballot but he will get in.

Trust me, they don't care about chips on shoulders. If that is what makes SS a great player...fine...but it aint the chip that they will look at.

Please tell me how SS changed the game.

That's the problem, how many feared him in his prime....most of them, the problem with SS is how long, or in his case, how short his prime was. There were a few years there where he was King of the Mtn. but it was very short lived.

And small market has a ton to do with it. You have to get tons of media exposure for a real shot at getting in, and the Panthers just don't have that.

[Darth Biscuit]

I personally loved his comments... nice article.

[SpeedOFLight]

I just don't get how people can say the man is out of his prime. You put any good/great wr with the QBs we had the last few years and watch their numbers drop. Many thought Moss was done until we got with Brady and look how he came to life. The guy still has it but needs a QB that will deliver.

[OneBadassCat]

Well I think it's logical to assume that he may not be as fast as he once was but I still think through his experience and fire he still has what made him over the top.

[ChampJack]

honestly i think its Jimmy Clausen's fault all of our people want to leave and that is why he was replaced... i think Cam newtons energy alone will bring Smitty back deangelo and all the other free agents (charles johnson , thomas davis, etc.)... and Cam will also bring enrgy to the fans and ticket sells... but one thing about my favorite receiver of all times tho... he has a bad attitude and has a short patience with young talent so thats my only scare...

[Snowman926]

Sounds like he wants to be traded but if its not possible he doesnt wanna piss off fans or become a distraction. very classy!

[blackcatgrowl]

So Smith basically said that all the rumors were rumors, and because of the lockout, he doesn't know how things are going to play out.

FFS PFW... I could have told you that without having to setup an interview with Smith. But hey... I guess you "broke" the story that there is no story.

[Jackofalltrades]

honestly i think its Jimmy Clausen's fault all of our people want to leave and that is why he was replaced... i think Cam newtons energy alone will bring Smitty back deangelo and all the other free agents (charles johnson , thomas davis, etc.)... and Cam will also bring enrgy to the fans and ticket sells... but one thing about my favorite receiver of all times tho... he has a bad attitude and has a short patience with young talent so thats my only scare...

This is you kidding, right?

[JJlovesthePanthers]

I'd hate to see him leave, but I'd also love to see him have a season he deserves before its too late.

[rayzor]

i have to admit i do like him taking ownership of the problems he was going through. really doesn't sound like he thinks he is too good for the organization.

"I have really mentally struggled," he said. "And last year probably was the worst. I let my teammates down; I felt that way at times. I felt bad about it. I don't want to experience that again. I don't want to put my teammates in that position again. "I know I can still play. I know it."

Even if the Panthers don't release or trade Smith, they have started a new chapter of their history. Fox is gone, replaced by Rivera. QB Cam Newton was the first pick in the draft, and all signs point to the team building around him — perhaps right away — and not Clausen.

Smith knows he might not be a part of that future, but he still couldn't help but look in awe at how different things will be in Charlotte next season.

"All the changes that the Panthers organization has made, does it change my feelings towards the team? I have no ill feelings; I have not changed. I am not upset. I am not mad," he said. "Those changes they made, I think they are not small — they are huge. They are foundational changes. I think it changes the whole attitude, the whole atmosphere."

Smith said he believes he might be able to play five more seasons. Maybe even six. He plans to honor the contract he was given that runs through 2012 and pays him $7 million this season and $7.75 million in '12 — unless the deal is voided or he's offered an extension with another team.

"As I feel right now, I would like to play as long as there is an opportunity — and to play with the same passion but with just a little bit of a different perspective," he said. "Less about what somebody can give me and more about what I can offer and what I can bring to the table and improve and help (a team)."

And despite the doubt that crept in the past few seasons, Smith said those questions are behind him now.

"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."

[mav1234]

Kinda hope he stays. I know we can get good value for him, but it doesn't sound like he'd pounding on the doors to be free. If he's happy with how things are going in training camp I hope he sticks with us.

I really hope he retires a Panther.

[TheRealDeal]

This is you kidding, right?

Probably not