Thursday, February 27, 2014

Panthers Owe Steve Smith


Respect is something that isn't given. It's earned.

There are few guys in the NFL whose hard work earns them respect from not only their teammates, but from other teams as well. The Carolina Panthers' all-time leading wide receiver Steve Smith is one of those guys.

Throughout his career, Smith has played with a chip on his shoulder. At 5'9", everyone told him he was too small to play wide receiver and be effective. He started out as just a return man. He's now cemented himself as one of the best receivers in the league.

However, at almost 35 years of age, Smith sure has lost a step. He's nowhere as fast as he used to be. So it would make sense to consider cutting him, wouldn't it?

Not if you really knew Steve Smith.

Smith is one of the few players to have literally given his blood, sweat and tears to his organization, sticking with them through thick and thin. Any other receiver of Smith's caliber wouldn't dare waste his prime years with the likes of Jake Delhomme, Matt Moore, Jimmy Clausen, and a few other terrible quarterbacks throwing him the ball.

But Smith is special.

Smith loves Carolina. He's given his all to this club, and has told everyone on multiple occasions that this is where he wants to stay until he's finally ready to retire, which could happen pretty soon.

So, if you're a Panthers fan, this situation between Smith, general manager Dave Gettleman and coach Ron Rivera has to worry you a little.

To summarize, Gettleman and Rivera have been pretty vague on Smith's status with the team. At the NFL Combine last Thursday, Gettleman, when asked about Smith's future with the team, told the media "None of us are here forever. He's part of the evaluation."

Smith told WBT he thought there was no question about his return next season. Smith is under contract for three more years with the Panthers, and it's unclear whether or not he'll be able to play that long.

However, how long Smith can play isn't the concern here. The concern is his future with the Panthers. But, like Smith said he thinks, there should be no question about his return.

Like I said, Smith is someone who has literally given everything he can and more for an organization that has failed to get one of the best receivers to ever play the game a Super Bowl ring. Dave Gettleman and Ron Rivera shouldn't be worried about the "business" aspect of this situation. Smith is not only a guy they need, but someone that deserves to stay. He certainly deserves more than the vagueness he's getting.

I can say this: if Gettleman decides to let Smith go, I'll be EXTREMELY angry and disappointed with him and the team.

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