Panthers Award Smith 3-Year Extension

Added on Apr 10, 2012 by Scott in

NFL

Cam Newton will have his number one target to throw to for at least the next four seasons. The Panthers have agreed to terms with wide receiver Steve Smith on a three-year extension and an option for an additional year. His current deal, which was signed in 2007, was set to expire after the 2012 season. Barring a major drop in productivity, the new contract pretty much ensures Smith will end his career in Carolina.

Smith and the Panthers are expected to hold a press conference later today, but his agent expressed nothing but gratitude when the news broke.

“The Panthers wanted to try to lock him down for the future and Steve is simply ecstatic about being able to finish his career in Carolina,” his agent Derrick Fox said. “He loves playing for coach Ron Rivera is excited about the things to come in Carolina.”

The 33-year-old is entering his 12th season. His 699 receptions, 10,278 yards and 67 total touchdowns are all franchise records, and his 406 points scored is second only to kicker John Kasay. 2011 marked the first time he started all 16 games since 2005.

The emergence of Newton played a significant role in Smith resurrecting his career. Subpar quarterback play in 2009 and 2010 led to him becoming increasingly frustrated with the direction the team was going. Rumors of him wanting to be traded swirled in the wake of John Fox’s dismissal im December of 2010, but cooler heads prevailed.

Behind Smith, the cupboard is bare in terms of proven receiving talent. Third-year wideout Brandon LaFell showed flashes a season ago, but he must be more consistent. Same goes for David Gettis, who tore his ACL last summer and hasn’t seen the field since 2010.

Unless the team believes LaFell is ready to take his game up a notch, selecting a wide receiver early is a possibility in the upcoming draft. The ‘Cats have needs all over the defense, but bringing another playmaker on board would greatly benefit Newton’s maturation process.

Source: NFL.com