Newton Lobbying for Smith to stay a panther

[Woodie]

I think Smitty likes it here, and really wants to stay, but he was so frustrated last year and had so little hope that he probably saw leaving as the only way he could have fun again and compete for a ring. But with the time off, I think he has softened his stance. Hearing Rivera talk and seeing the moves that have been made are probably making him feel better about the situation here...particularly the selection of Cam, whom he seems to be developing a nice bond with.

With that said, I'm sure he wants to talk more with the coaching staff to get a clearer picture of what they plan on doing to improve the offense...and team in general. He probably also wants to see what FA moves we make before commiting himself to any decision. Bringing in a solid veteran QB as insurance against Cam needing some time to be ready, as well as a couple of defensive FA's to solidify that side of the ball, would probably be enough to make him believe in the direction the team is going and want to stay.

[rayzor]

if they pick up another WR in FA like edwards or floyd then that will make him want to stay more. the dude needs some help taking the heat off him and neither gettis or lafell are proven enough to be able to do that.

i'm sure adding shockey helped, but bringing in another starter quality WR is going to help out on many levels.

[MadHatter]

I don't know how many times this has to be repeated.

Smitty will be a Panther next year unless a team with a derranged owner (e.g., Washington, Dallas, etc.) on the "cusp" of the Superbowl thinks he is worth $8mm. Otherwise, that is fortune for a guy who is only a team player when he wants to be, has shown zero interest in developing young WRs or QBs, and has racked up plenty of drops to hint at past-prime status.

I don't know how many times this has to be repeated....at least one more by your ill-informed post.

Not only would a team need to believe that they are on the cusp of the SB and willing to pay Smitty $8M per year......they would also need to be willing to pony up picks/players that the panthers deem as sufficient compensation.

Just because a team thinks he is worth $8M per season, does not mean that he is going anywhere.

[Jpjr]

I don't know how many times this has to be repeated....at least one more by your ill-informed post.

Not only would a team need to believe that they are on the cusp of the SB and willing to pay Smitty $8M per year......they would also need to be willing to pony up picks/players that the panthers deem as sufficient compensation.

Just because a team thinks he is worth $8M per season, does not mean that he is going anywhere.

If you don't think the Panthers would unload Smith for his salary you are... crazy? Cleaned out locker. Sold house. Flag football. Absent for workouts. Terrible attitude... unloading that contract is a steal for a young team with a young coach that is looking to unload legacy issues.

[Udogg]

You are crazy if you think Panthers are giving Smitty away for nothing with 2 years left on his contract. The compensation as far as picks is debatable but you don't give away a #1 WR without getting something in return.

[Jpjr]

You are crazy if you think Panthers are giving Smitty away for nothing with 2 years left on his contract. The compensation as far as picks is debatable but you don't give away a #1 WR without getting something in return.

They are getting something in return. They are giving away a contract that should be $4-5 million for $8 million.

[DevilCat]

I don't know how many times this has to be repeated.

Smitty will be a Panther next year unless a team with a derranged owner (e.g., Washington, Dallas, etc.) on the "cusp" of the Superbowl thinks he is worth $8mm. Otherwise, that is fortune for a guy who is only a team player when he wants to be, has shown zero interest in developing young WRs or QBs, and has racked up plenty of drops to hint at past-prime status.

Good point....Esp.about Snyder and Jones being derranged.;)

[chef17]

They are getting something in return. They are giving away a contract that should be $4-5 million for $8 million.

If they just wanted to get rid of his contract they would cut him.

[Jpjr]

If they just wanted to get rid of his contract they would cut him.

That would be "giving him away". I'm not a Steve Smith fan but I would certainly make someone pay up for him if I was already on the hook. I would reserve "giving him away" for the likes of an Albert Haynesworth.

[Davidson Deac II]

If I were Smith, I have to admit I would probably leave. Unless Newton is the next Dan Marino, its going to be a couple of years before this team is a serious threat to get to the playoffs. And I am sure Smith wants a shot at another Superbowl. He would be better served going to a team that is an immediate competitor.

That being said, I hope he stays.

[DaveThePanther2008]

Yeah, Smitty is as bad as Albert Haynesworth.. Man, I cannot believe the bandwagon haters.

Jpjr, IF is Smitty was 1/4 as bad as you make him out to be he would have been gone years ago. Do you think JR and Smitty would have the relationship they do if he was the BAD APPLE you make him out to be. What is more appalling is the BANDWAGON haters that join you in your warped opinion of Steve Smith.

Smitty will not be traded for less than a 2nd or 3rd. I don't give a fly Fug if he is 32 or 40. The man is still a potent WR. He has two years on his contract and will play 100% if we don't trade him. We will NOT trade him without a solid veteran for our young receiving corps.

I think Newton has the charisma to get Smitty to stay. I see the Panthers turning this program around and in a hurry with Newton. Once Smith scores a TD after Newton has scrambled he will see the light. Watch and See

Jpjr you may dislike Smith and that is your opinion but to believe he is remotely similiar to Albert Haynesworth or T.O. or Burress or Even Holmes is ludacris.

[rayzor]

jpjr was saying he's not as bad as haynesworth.

[rainwater]

If you don't think the Panthers would unload Smith for his salary you are... crazy? Cleaned out locker. Sold house. Flag football. Absent for workouts. Terrible attitude... unloading that contract is a steal for a young team with a young coach that is looking to unload legacy issues.

The Panthers GM could say bye-bye to his job if he did that and he probably wouldn't work in the NFL again. You don't release a player with trade value unless there are extenuating circumstances. And you can't trade SS to another team without compensation. It is against the CBA.