Panthers release 34-year-old WR Smith

  • Associated Press
  • Thursday, March 13, 2014 10:41am
  • SportsSports

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The Steve Smith era in Carolina is over.

The Panthers released their all-time leading receiver on Thursday after 13 seasons. Panthers general manager Dave Gettleman said it “was not an easy decision” in a press release.

“Steve has been one of the NFL’s finest receivers for over a decade and has been the face of the franchise for a large part of the team’s history,” Gettleman said. “As a team, we made a step forward last year; however we are also a team in transition, which is a part of the NFL.”

The decision comes one day after Smith’s agent, Derrick Fox, told The Associated Press that the 13-year NFL veteran “is not going to play for the Panthers next year, I know that.”

Fox said the Panthers never asked Smith, who turns 35 in May, to restructure his current contract. The Panthers were unable to trade Smith, who was set to cost $7 million under this year’s salary cap.

The Panthers still owe Smith $3 million this season.

The decision has not been a popular one among Carolina fans. Gettleman addressed that in his press release.

“When I took this position I knew that difficult decisions would have to be made along the way,” Gettleman said. “To move on from a storied veteran player is probably the most difficult of all. A decision not to be taken lightly. However, after much thought I feel very strongly it’s the right one.”

“As I’ve stated many times, all decisions I make will be in the long-term best interest of the Carolina Panthers. Decisions, either popular or unpopular, have to be made for the greater good and it is imperative to take an unemotional global view. Sometimes it may appear that short term interests will suffer, and I can assure you we have no interest in taking a step back from our 2013 accomplishments.”

One possible replacement for Smith is free agent Hakeem Nicks, a Charlotte native who played for New York Giants.

The move marks the end of an era for the Panthers.

Smith joined the team as a third-round draft pick out of Utah in 2001. He made an immediate impact in the NFL, returning the opening kickoff of the season for a touchdown against the Vikings. He became the first Panthers rookie selected to the Pro Bowl, earning that honor as a return specialist.

Known for his feisty behavior on the field, Smith became a dominant receiver over the next 12 seasons. He is Carolina’s all-time leader with 75 total touchdowns and has 836 receptions for 12,197 yards.

“On the football field Steve had a competitive arrogance that (was) second to none — second to none,” said former Panthers quarterback Jake Delhomme in a telephone interview. “That helped him be as good as he was. He made other guys step up their game. But off the field he was totally different. He loves his wife and his family. He’s a genuinely good person with a great heart.”

Panthers coach Ron Rivera said in the release: “He is a great competitor with Hall of Fame-worthy statistics and has made a great contribution to our community.”

Fox said Smith would have welcomed a chance to move inside to slot receiver, but the team never offered him that opportunity.

As productive as Smith was, his fiery personality often rubbed people the wrong way, and some viewed him as a distraction in the locker room. Smith had run-ins with teammates on at least two occasions. He punched out fellow wide receiver Anthony Bright in a film room fight and later socked cornerback Ken Lucas on the field during a practice at training camp in Spartanburg, S.C.

On both occasions, Smith was suspended by the team.

Delhomme said that was a “humbling experience” for Smith, who apologized to Lucas and the team’s fans after the incident.

Despite the two incidents, Smith was immensely popular with the fan base, in large part due to his production on the field. He also worked hard to change his public image over the last several years and has been an active member of the Charlotte community.

Smith said on Twitter on Wednesday that “I will always be a Carolina panther No contract can ever change that CLT is my home and will always be my home… I love you (hash)panthernation.”

When asked if he was surprised Smith was released, Delhomme said, “It does surprise, but that’s the NFL. I mean, look, Peyton Manning plays for the Denver Broncos — that the way it goes.”

Smith isn’t the only receiver leaving the Panthers.

A person familiar with the situation says Domenik Hixon has agreed to terms on a one-year deal with the Chicago Bears. The person spoke to The Associated Press on Thursday on condition of anonymity because the deal has not yet been announced.

Also, Panthers backup quarterback Derek Anderson announced Thursday on Twitter he has re-signed with Carolina for a fourth season. Anderson tweeted: “Happy to be coming back to Charlotte next season!”

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Sports

Silvertips forward Shea Busch participates in the Florida Panthers development camp at Baptist Health IcePlex in Fort Lauderdale, Florida on July 1, 2025. Florida selected Busch in the fourth round of the 2025 NHL Entry Draft on June 28. (Photo courtesy Shea Busch)
Shea Busch experiences whirlwind NHL Draft week

The Florida Panthers selected the Silvertips forward in the fourth round on June 28.

Rome Odunze scans the field in a scrimmage at his youth football camp at Archbishop Murphy High School on July 10, 2025. The former University of Washington star is entering his second NFL season with the Chicago Bears. (Joe Pohoryles / The Herald)
Odunze ‘gives back’ in Everett youth football camp

The former University of Washington star hosts a single-day camp at Archbishop Murphy on Thursday.

The New York Yankees' Aaron Judge, top right, celebrates with teammates after hitting a walk-off sacrifice fly ball during the 10th inning against the Seattle Mariners at Yankee Stadium on Thursday, July 10, 2025, in New York. (Justin Casterline / Getty Images / Tribune News Services)
Yankees walk off Mariners on Judge’s sac fly for series sweep

Seattle blows 5-0 lead after Bryan Woo takes no-hitter into eighth inning.

Raleigh says Munoz tipped pitches during Yankees’ comeback

The Yankees had a bead on Seattle Mariners closer Andrés Muñoz. That’s… Continue reading

Midfielder Christian Soto dribbles up field during Snohomish United's 5-1 win against the Tacoma Stars at Stockers Fields on July 9, 2025 (Joe Pohoryles / The Herald)
Snohomish United keeps playoff hopes alive in home finale

With 5-1 win against Tacoma, the USL2 club’s focus on local talent keys success in inaugural season.

Silvertips forward Carter Bear fields questions after the Detroit Red Wings selected him 13th overall in the 2025 NHL Entry Draft in Los Angeles on June 27, 2025. (Photo courtesy Natalie Shaver / CHL)
Two weeks after Draft, Silvertips’ Bear still can’t believe it

The Red Wings’ first-rounder reflects on draft night and his experience at Detroit’s development camp.

AquaSox down Devils for consecutive wins

The AquaSox were on a 2-10 stretch coming into the series.

Cam Schlittler’s strong debut freezes Mariners

The Mariners fell to the Yankees, 9-6, on Wednesday night.

Storm flies too close to the Sun, loses in an upset

Connecticut snapped a 10-game losing streak to beat Seattle 93-83 on Wednesday morning.

Giancarlo Stanton of the New York Yankees flips his bat after hitting a three-run home run in the sixth inning against the Seattle Mariners at Yankee Stadium on Tuesday, July 8, 2025, in New York. (Evan Bernstein / Getty Images / Tribune News Services)
Raleigh, Judge heat up homer race at Yankee Stadium

In the battle of baseball’s biggest sluggers, Aaron Judge… Continue reading

Seattle Seahawks linebackers Derick Hall (58) and Boye Mafe (53) celebrate a defensive play during the 2024 season. (Rio Giancarlo / Getty Images / The Athletic)
Season to reveal long-term plans for Seahawks linebackers

The Seattle Seahawks selected edge rusher Boye Mafe with… Continue reading

Silvertips defenseman wins U20 Ball Hockey World Title with Canada

Rylan Pearce helps Canada win gold at the ISBHF U20 World Championships in Slovakia.

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.