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Smitty meets with Gettleman today

jptaylor84

By jptaylor84,
in Carolina Panthers

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TheRed Newbie

TheRed

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The truth is that we will not go into the season without a vet replacement for Smitty (that is assuming we do let him go).  Sure, it's possible he could have a resurgence next year, but that's far from a guarantee, and not what we would be replacing.  We'd only be replacing what he gave us last year, because that is all we can reasonably expect from him (we can hope for more, but not expect it).  And lets be honest, his impact last year can be replaced by a mid-level receiver, who wouldn't cost an arm and a leg. 

 

What we would really be losing if we let Smitty go is someone we all associate with the fabric of the Panthers.  Someone who we have seen grow and is an intimate part of our Panther family.  He's like that prickly uncle that can sometimes get on your nerves, but also is always there when you need him.  He belongs to us, warts and all.  Unfortunately, Gettleman doesn't see him as family, he is only concerned with how much he can help this team.  In other words, he is approaching this pragmatically, not emotionally. 

 

Again, it's much more than just replacing his production from last year. He's only one season removed from 1k yards. He wasn't the only player in our offense who experienced a dip in production. Let's not forget that. Our offense was ranked in the bottom of the entire NFL.

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The Huddler Veteran

The Huddler

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Where the fug did gettleman say Steve needs to take a pay cut? Is this all from assumption? All from gettleman saying that Steve is being evaluated like all other players? This is exactly what the media wanted you fools. Shame on you. The media owns you and plays you like a pupet!! Shame!!

Sent from my XT1055 using CarolinaHuddle mobile app

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lola Newbie

lola

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Well I think most of us don't want to be in that situation, except for a few looney tunes around here it seems.

I'm all for drafting one or even probably two WR's. But I have little doubt that there will be growing pains for them. The unfortunate truth in all this is, Gettleman shouldn't have even been put in this situation. In a perfect world, Hurney would have drafted a legit WR years ago.

I can't stress enough, how we're not just replacing his yards, and touchdowns. He's our go to guy. It's deeper than that.

That's what I have been trying to say. It's not just his stats. He's our guy. His mere presence would leave a huge void.

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RoaringRiot Collaborator

RoaringRiot

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That's what I have been trying to say. It's not just his stats. He's our guy. His mere presence would leave a huge void.

 

 

If Steve leaves us this season or in 10 years he will still be our guy.  We're going to have to face it at some point.  

 

Not advocating for it to be this season.....but it's not like we're ever going to be prepared to lose him and what his presence means.  

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Jon Snow Grand Master

Jon Snow

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If the rumor of Gman shopping Steve is true then he obviously believes that Steve has some value and a few years left in him to be somewhat productive at a reduced role.

I've followed the team since inception and watch Steve's entire career and I know Steve still thinks he can out play anyone. But the sad reality is his age and ego will not back that up. Gettleman is in the unenviable position to have to decide if he wants to prolong the inevitable and keeping Steve and his bloated contract or releasing him. This day was on the horizon when Hurney made the contract and now Gman is stuck with it.

I'm sure that our new GM knew this when he evaluated everyone and their contracts last year as he feverishly tried to get cap relief. I think everyone was on notice then and it shouldn't be a surprise to anyone that the status quo is no longer going to cut it.

I hate to see SS go as much as anyone and I don't care what he's paid to be here but my love for Steve has no effect on the reality that he is no longer a part of the equation going forward. A decision has to be made and I'm glad it's not me making it.

Sent from my Nexus 7 using CarolinaHuddle mobile app

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Woodie Newbie

Woodie

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Again, it's much more than just replacing his production from last year. He's only one season removed from 1k yards. He wasn't the only player in our offense who experienced a dip in production. Let's not forget that. Our offense was ranked in the bottom of the entire NFL.

But his dip in production coincided with an obvious loss of explosion, speed, and quickness.  No matter how we slice it, Smitty is not the same player he was even in Cam's rookie year.  So while he may improve his numbers somewhat, we cannot expect any big leaps in production...no matter who's calling the plays or lining up opposite him.   

 

Take the emotion out of it, and I don't think anyone would be arguing that we shouldn't at least consider moving on from him.  There are guys that can give similar or maybe even better production than him, but are younger and have a more reasonable cost effectiveness. 

 

To be clear, no one questions that Smitty can still be very effective, heck, he was effective last season, just not 23 million over 3 years effective.  That's the real issue here.  He's being paid like a true #1, but he's no longer a true #1.  His best role is probably in the slot or as a #2.  We just can't pay him what he is scheduled to make, and his contract is structured in such a way that we have to make that decision this year.  

 

 

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TheRed Newbie

TheRed

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But his dip in production coincided with an obvious loss of explosion, speed, and quickness.  No matter how we slice it, Smitty is not the same player he was even in Cam's rookie year.  So while he may improve his numbers somewhat, we cannot expect any big leaps in production...no matter who's calling the plays or lining up opposite him.   

 

Take the emotion out of it, and I don't think anyone would be arguing that we shouldn't at least consider moving on from him.  There are guys that can give similar or maybe even better production than him, but are younger and have a more reasonable cost effectiveness. 

 

To be clear, no one questions that Smitty can still be very effective, heck, he was effective last season, just not 23 million over 3 years effective.  That's the real issue here.  He's being paid like a true #1, but he's no longer a true #1.  His best role is probably in the slot or as a #2.  We just can't pay him what he is scheduled to make, and his contract is structured in such a way that we have to make that decision this year.  

 

I have to disagree then, I think he's close to the same player he was in 2011.

 

We got a different OC, and started running the ball more in 2013. The offense changed. This doesn't come down to will he or won't he eventually leave, we all know he will. The question is who takes over right now? The problem is he is the only receiver we have under contract.

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lola Newbie

lola

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If Steve leaves us this season or in 10 years he will still be our guy. We're going to have to face it at some point.

Not advocating for it to be this season.....but it's not like we're ever going to be prepared to lose him and what his presence means.

Sadly, this is true. I'm just not ready for it.

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