Steve Smith’s agent: “I will Not Play For Panthers Next Year”

Jan 12, 2014; Charlotte, NC, USA; San Francisco 49ers cornerback

(26) attempts to tackle Carolina Panthers wide receiver

(89) during the first half of the 2013 NFC divisional playoff football game at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports

Steve Smith and the Carolina Panthers have been at odds for the last couple of weeks and it seems that it is all coming to a halt right now. Smith today, through his agent, said that he will not be playing for the Carolina Panthers next season, per Steve Reed of the Associated Press.

That doesn’t say anything on the stance that the Carolina Panthers are going to have with Smith, but it does say that Smith will not play for the Panthers. The Panthers could hold onto him, release him or trade him. There has been talk about the Panthers shopping him around, but with his salary, it will be tough to find a team that will take him on.

Could the Panthers be forcing him to retire? Why would the Panthers want to phase Smith out of Carolina? Without Smith, the Panthers do not have many options in the passing game and they will likely be looking to add a receiver in free agency.

Smith could be released and should get a few suitors for his talents.