Trade Steve Smith?! 5 Reasons the Carolina Panthers Should Do it Now

Trade the greatest player in Panther history? You think I am crazy?

Well, Steve's time has come and gone in Charlotte. He was second (that's right, second) on the team last year with TD catches at two, behind David Gettis' three.

Now, I know little Jimmy Clausen is not an NFL quarterback, but I have five reasons to trade Smitty now and help the Panthers' rebuilding process, and get back to the playoffs (playoffs?!). That's right—playoffs in the next year or two under new dynamic head coach Ron Rivera.

AND, the place I want to send him will make that team an immediate Super Bowl contender and get Smith back his reputation as one of the game's best.

Want to know where he goes and what the Panthers could get? Read on!

This Guy Needs Smitty

Al Bello/Getty Images

FOXBORO, MA - JANUARY 16: Quarterback Tom Brady #12 of the New England Patriots is sacked by Shaun Ellis #92 of the New York Jets during their 2011 AFC divisional playoff game at Gillette Stadium on January 16, 2011 in Foxboro, Massachusetts. (Photo by

When Tom Terrific lost Randy Moss, he lost his only deep threat. The Jets realized this, and shut Brady & Company down in the playoffs.

New England has a pile of picks in the first three rounds and although Smith is 31 years old, I believe they could get a first round (No. 28 overall), or second round (No. 33 overall) by trading Smith (assuming the CBA is done by then; that is a BIG "IF"). Who would be available to the Panthers at that spot?

Big Boy Wanted in the Middle of Panthers D

Jamie Squire/Getty Images

COLUMBIA, MO - NOVEMBER 7: Phil Taylor #11 of the Baylor Bears moves on the field during the game against the Missouri Tigers at Faurot Field at Memorial Stadium on November 7, 2009 in Columbia, Missouri. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)

Phil Taylor—all 6'4" and 350 pounds of him—is massive and strong in the middle (squatted 665 pounds and benches 455 pounds; that's no joke).

The Panthers need to draft Cam Newton No. 1, then draft this guy No. 2. Having this big cat in the middle keeps the guards and centers off of Beason and makes him and the Panthers defense that much better. The Cats have two third-round picks and can draft these guys in that round. 

6'3", 220 Pounds with Great Ball Skills

Streeter Lecka/Getty Images

CHARLOTTE, NC - DECEMBER 26: Jarred Holley #18 of the Pittsburgh Panthers watches as Greg Little #8 of the North Carolina Tar Heels catches a touchdown during their game on December 26, 2009 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty I

Drafting Greg Little in the third round would be a steal for the Panthers.

The guy was set to be an All-American candidate until the scandal that rocked the entire Tar Heel team. He is big, strong, fast for his size, has great hands and would be an ideal replacement for Smitty.

Having Little, Gettis, Lafell, Edwards and Clowney to pair with newly signed veteran Jeremy Shockey and Dante Rosario at tight end would give the Panthers a young, big receiving corps that could grow with Cam Newton.

New receivers coach Ricky Proehl would be busy, but could mold this group into something special. Signing a veteran receiver would help as well.

Two Troubled Heels? A Big YES!

Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images

CHAPEL HILL, NC - OCTOBER 06: Defensive tackle Marvin Austin #9 of the North Carolina Tar Heels sacks quarterback Kyle Wright #3 of the Miami Hurricanes during the first half at Kenan Stadium on October 6, 2007 in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. (Photo by

Although Marvin Austin was at the center of the storm for the troubled Heels last year, he was arguably the best player on the field in the East-West Shrine game.

Character concerns have many mock drafts showing Austin as a Day 2 pick. Get him!

Could you imagine how hard it would be to run against the Panthers with Marvin Austin and the Baylor Big Boy in the middle? You could use the later rounds to draft another CB, DE, punt returner and OG.

How good would the new-look Cats be by trading Smitty?

Smiles All Around!

Joe Robbins/Getty Images

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - FEBRUARY 27: Cam Newton looks on during the 2011 NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium on February 27, 2011 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)

Smitty is not good or has no patience with younger players; he could possibly ruin Newton. How about a backfield of Cam Newton, DeAngelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart?

Add Shockey, Little, Lafell, Gettis, Edwards (give him a shot!) with good coaching, get a healthy Otah and O-line starters back, you have to win some games. Get rid of little Jimmy and sign Matt Moore as backup, and Panther fans would have hope again and could watch Smitty and Brady in the playoffs.

Super Bowl Champion

Elsa/Getty Images

FOXBORO, MA - JANUARY 16: Quarterback Tom Brady #12 of the New England Patriots throws a pass during their 2011 AFC divisional playoff game against the New York Jets at Gillette Stadium on January 16, 2011 in Foxboro, Massachusetts. (Photo by Elsa/Getty

Steve Smith gets his Super Bowl Ring, and the Panthers get a future! Good deal for everyone involved!