Steve Smith on the way out?

[O Doyle]

Steve Smith's problems with the Panthers organization may run deeper than his recent fight with Ken Lucas. At least that's what Matt Mosley of ESPN indicates in his blog. Mosley says there are "rumblings" that the Panthers could consider dealing Smith, and that Smith's name has already come up in conversations with Dallas.

Let's be real here: The odds on a trade at this point, especially with John Fox and GM Marty Hurney on the hot seat, seem slim to none. The Panthers offense can barely afford to lose their best player for two games, much less the season. Still, it's a story worth tracking because Smith's two game suspension would likely be lifted in a new locale.

Sports - Pancake Blocks: Could Steve Smith get dealt?

[Texecutioner]

This is really surprising, but I doubt that they will move Steve Smith. If they do that then they can kiss their season goodbye. He is by far their only weapon on offense other than maybe the rookie Stewart. Smith has carried them offensively for years now and has made JD look a lot better than he is.

Smith may have gone overboard again, but doesn't Lucas have a history of fighting from the Seahawks as well?

This team doesn't have enough fire power in my opinion to consider moving Smith in my opinion. They'll be one of the worst teams in the entire league on offense if they do that.

[O Doyle]

Originally Posted by Texecutioner

Smith may have gone overboard again, but doesn't Lucas have a history of fighting from the Seahawks as well?

To my knowledge Ken Lucas has never been in any trouble. Someone correct me if im wrong.

Regardless, Steve Smith straight up attacked a defenseless person here. Ken Lucas was on the sideline goofing off with some teammates on one knee when Smith bombarded him. He attacked a guy who was on one knee. Thats ridiculous.

You asked if Lucas had a history of fighting from the Seahawks and i'll respond by saying being unexpectedly acosted while sitting on one knee on the sideline isn't a fight, its being attacked.

[Texecutioner]

Originally Posted by EaglePhil

To my knowledge Ken Lucas has never been in any trouble. Someone correct me if im wrong.

Regardless, Steve Smith straight up attacked a defenseless person here. Ken Lucas was on the sideline goofing off with some teammates on one knee when Smith bombarded him. He attacked a guy who was on one knee. Thats ridiculous.

You asked if Lucas had a history of fighting from the Seahawks and i'll respond by saying being unexpectedly acosted while sitting on one knee on the sideline isn't a fight, its being attacked.

Well come on now EP, what Smith did was waaayy overboard, but I'm not going to sit here and believe that Lucas didn't provoke him in any sort of way. I highly doubt that Smith just all of a sudden got filled with rage, and decided to attack Lucas for nothing.

Smith definitely crossed the line. That isn't the question. The question right now is are the Panthers really going to dangle their only offensive weapon that they've had for years that's carried them on offense?

Smith has never lacked a work ethic and he's always been a gamer on Sunday. They can't afford to get rid of him right now.

[O Doyle]

Originally Posted by Texecutioner

Well come on now EP, what Smith did was waaayy overboard, but I'm not going to sit here and believe that Lucas didn't provoke him in any sort of way. I highly doubt that Smith just all of a sudden got filled with rage, and decided to attack Lucas for nothing.

Smith definitely crossed the line. That isn't the question. .

Two things, one in each paragraph. I'll address individually.

1. It doesn't matter what Lucas said. It has been reported that it was a couple of teammates giving Smith a hard time about Lucas beating him on a play. Its never been beyond Lucas to talk a little trash on the field. But thats irrelevant, who talks more trash than Steve Smith does? Smith couldn't handle it and he viciously attacked a defenseless teammate. Does it matter what was said? Unless it was a physical threat, which it wasn't, there is nothing he could have said that should have prompted any violence at all. And this wasn't just basic pushing and shoving, he broke the guys nose and left him dazed to where he was carted off the field.

2. And yes that is the question. There are reports all over the place right now that not only is this not an isolated incident with Smith but htat its also much larger than the 2 physical altercations that have been published during Smiths career. There are reports everywhere that his attitude and threatening nature are a locker room poison and a divisive factor in team chemistry.

So yes, despite the fact that he's been a gamer on sundays, there is a larger problem at play here.

[abellamy]

I dont think I would go out and say he was defenseless. Maybe if he was a blind 95 year old woman who is confined to a wheel chair, I am sure Lucas can hold his own, granted he may of been caught of guard, but that is different than being defenseless.

Although I will agree with you here that there is a larger problem here, more than this single incident. Like you said there a few documented cases where he has blown up and beat someone. I am curious as to why I never heard of any of this while he was here at the University of Utah. Sure some things like this get swept under the rug, but not to this magnitude of breaking another players nose.

No question that he is a gamer, but this can be detrimental to the team.

Tex, I also agree with you that there is no way the can afford to trade him. They wont get anything close to equal value, and they will be officially anemic on offense if they did. That being said, I know if I was Lucas, I wouldnt want to come back and play for a team that lets their star player beat on others.

[Eric2407]

Who would be considered possible trading partners?

[Blackmallard]

Smith is easily expendable. Their offense has never been better than mediocre with him anyway, and was officially anemic last year. He's been one of the most over rated "forces" in the league since his excellent 2005 season. I'm highly perplexed by the idea that he will be able to carry this team anywhere.

They should definitely attempt to pull some sort of WR exchange, lord knows there are enough wideouts looking for a change of scenery out there. If I were the Panthers I'd be willing to send Smith and something extra to the Bengals for Chad Johnson.

[XPetey]

Originally Posted by Blackmallard

Smith is easily expendable. Their offense has never been better than mediocre with him anyway, and was officially anemic last year. He's been one of the most over rated "forces" in the league since his excellent 2005 season. I'm highly perplexed by the idea that he will be able to carry this team anywhere.

They should definitely attempt to pull some sort of WR exchange, lord knows there are enough wideouts looking for a change of scenery out there. If I were the Panthers I'd be willing to send Smith and something extra to the Bengals for Chad Johnson.

I really don't see how Smith fits into Cincinnati's offense...at all

[Blackmallard]

Originally Posted by XPetey

I really don't see how Smith fits into Cincinnati's offense...at all

He'd fit in as their #1 WR. It isn't rocket surgery.

Is Carson Palmer unable to throw a screen?