Steve Smith: Carolina Panthers WR Could Be Headed to San Diego Chargers

There is no question that Steve Smith is the most talented player in Carolina Panthers history. Arguably ranked among the league’s top five wide receivers, Smith was doomed to a less than notable season with only 554 yards and two receiving touchdowns.

Jimmy Clausen has more than he will probably take credit for to do with those numbers than Smith himself. Understanding how vital production is in the NFL and how fleeting elitism can be, the 10-year Panthers veteran wants out.

According to Chuck Carroll of Football News Now, a league source says that Steve Smith wants to be traded to Oakland or San Diego. Born in California, Smith would rather be with a team that is already established instead of rebuilding at the age 31 (32 later this month).

The Panthers would be outright liars if they did not admit that this was the ultimate direction of drafting Cam Newton, hiring a new offensive coordinator and hiring his former college wide receivers coach, Fred Graves. Though these moves have been made to rebuild, they have also been put in place to lure Smith back in the Panthers' good graces.

Steve Smith’s career is not hanging in the balance as most free agents would say, but it is irritatingly undecided. Though he has made it known to his team’s front office that he would rather not continue his career as a Panther, Smith cannot make a move. The NFL lockout prevents any activity between teams and players, let alone teams and other teams.

When he does get the chance to walk away, where will he end up? Though Oakland has been a more public choice for Smith, San Diego seems like a better fit. There would not be a long-term deal put in place; however, Phil Rivers could use Smith as an immediate option.

Second in the league in passing yards, San Diego may not be on the market for a veteran receiver. That rarely means that if a team searches their depths and do not find a solid option, they will pass on such a skilled player.

The Chargers could also be a cushion for Smith to land because of Vincent Jackson’s probable exit. Jackson would love to be given the contract of a lifetime, but general manager AJ Smith is solid in his stance to refuse one.

There will be no present day long term contracts for the playmaking wide receiver and he knows this. Jackson may appreciate his time in San Diego, but after holding out for as long as he did without the desired compensation, the $18 million offer from Minnesota is not looking so bad.

If he ends up leaving, the Chargers will need a steady receiver that can be held accountable for a majority of Philip Rivers’ many passes. Steve Smith could be that guy.