The will he stay or will he go saga of 34-year-old Panthers wide receiver Steve Smith continues with Smith himself clarifying that he is a Panther until told otherwise. Smith was asked by ESPN on his status with the Panthers and if his workout habits have changed with the rumors of his release.
Smith went on record to say the following:
“Here’s all I have to say about it,” Smith said. “I am working out and doing all the things as I am a Carolina Panther. That’s where I am. And I’ll continue to move forward until I am told otherwise.”
Smith’s fate has yet to be decided by coach Ron Rivera who was noncommittal when asked about Smith’s job security.
"A lot of it will have to do with what our situation and circumstances are going to be," Rivera said when asked directly about Smith's future. "I think as we go forward, just what the role is going to be we'll see.”
Rivera went on to say the salary cap would come into play with some offseason moves that could include Smith’s potential $7 million cap hit and $9 million of dead money. Smith could move onto a team that could use a veteran presence at the right price like the Jaguars or a team that needs a pair of steady hands to solidify an average wide receiving core like the Browns.
The Jaguars could use Smith's services the most with the indefinite suspension of Justin Blackmon. Smith can not only replace Blackmon in his absence, but also serve as a mentor to the controversial third year receiver out of Oklahoma State.
What should the Panthers do with Smith? Would you want him on your team? Tell us @SportsWN
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