Should Carolina Panthers make a move for Steve Smith?

By Raphael Garcia | Oct 29, 2015

Big name trades come at surprise times during the season. The Carolina Panthers already made one move when they brought in Jared Allen as an addition to their defensive line. Now, there seems to be an opportunity to bring back a player that has a storied history with the Panthers: Steve Smith. When looking at the dynamics of the situation, this is a trade that the Panthers should attempt to pull off if the opportunity presents itself.

Steve Smith is a name that has long created excitement for Panthers fans. According to Pro-Football Reference, Smith is the All-Time Most Valuable Player for the organization. His 12,197 yards sits at the top of all receivers to ever where the jersey. He is second to only John Kasay in scoring for the organization.

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That is why it was painful for the Panthers to part way with their star player in March of 2014 after 13 years with the team. This season will be his last as he has announced that he plans to retire once the 2015 campaign is over.

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Smith has been a contributing player with the Baltimore Ravens, but their 1-6 record leaves them with little hope for the rest of the year. If the leaders of the organization decide to make plans for the future, Smith is valuable trade bait for a contender looking to beef up their receiving corps. The undefeated Panthers fit that mold exactly.

Unfortunately, Jamison Hensley of ESPN reported that the Ravens are not interested in parting with No. 89.

“There’s no chance of that,” Coach Jim Harbaugh said. “I wouldn’t part with him.”

Smith echoed those sentiments as well:

“I like to finish what I started,” Smith said when asked about trade opportunities.

With the trade deadline looming on November 3^rd, Carolina should make a move to strengthen its receiving core. While Cam Newton and his unit have done well without Kelvin Benjamin, only Greg Olsen has shown the ability to be a consistent threat. The Panthers’ receiving offense is ranked 30^th in the league with a mediocre 212.5 yards per game.

The passing game has come through in key moments when needed this season, but there is still much room for improvement – especially as they head into the tougher portion of their schedule. Giving up a second round pick for Smith would not be too much to part with at this point in the season. His immediate impact on the field would be monumental and fans would be ecstatic to see him return to Charlotte.

As the trade deadline approaches on Tuesday it will be interesting to see if Baltimore and Carolina find themselves at the negotiating table to work out a deal to move Steve Smith back to the only other team he’s ever played for. It would be a fitting end to his career at a time when the team needs him the most.

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