Panthers GM says Steve Smith “had a great career” – oh, the past tense…
Whoopsie. At the combine Dave Gettleman, the Carolina Panthers general manager, made waves when he declared that Steve Smith “had a great career” and brought up the dreaded “evaluation process.”
But here’s the kicker: no one thought to let Steve Smith know that he was in the midst of an evaluation process. Smith told WBT-AM in Charlotte, “When I did my exit meeting, no one spoke to me about it in that manner, so the unfortunate part of it is I had to hear second-hand.”
And, of course, the tough-as-nails veteran caught the use of past tense regarding his career. He said, “I think ultimately it would suggest that the team is moving on.”
It is perfectly natural for the Panthers to evaluate how they would like to move on with or without Steve Smith. He will turn 35 in May, his numbers were just so-so last year and the Panthers need to beef up the passing game if they want to compete at a championship level. However, Steve Smith has been there through thick and thin. He’s been with the team his whole career and some would argue he’s the face of the franchise. At bare minimum, he’s an extremely familiar face around Charlotte and he should have received a cordial sit down where both sides could have an amicable conversation.
Hopefully there is a conversation in the future, but it’s hard to imagine Steve Smith in a different uniform.
As far as fantasy football is concerned, Steve Smith’s stock dropped for fantasy players early on in the 2013 season. Even if he’s back with the Panthers (or anyone else, for that matter) he’s a very, very late round pick for the bye week plug and play. If the Panthers do decide to go in another direction this could mean that they are finally getting serious about building the passing game. Keep an eye on who might emerge as a featured receiver. If they draft a stud receiver, you should keep an eye on that player if you’re in dynasty leagues.
Do you think the Panthers and Smith will come to an agreement? Do you think he would retire or do you think there is a team out there in need of Smith’s “Ice up, son” services?
In case you didn’t hear about “Ice up, son” check out this video.
Steve Smith discouraged by Panthers GM’s commentsCarolina Panthers general manager Dave Gettleman raised eyebrows at the NFL Scouting Combine last week when he chose not to commit to veteran wide receiver Steve Smith. “Steve’s had a great career,” Gettleman said, “and the bottom line is, it’s part of the evaluation process.”
