NFL Trade Speculation: 5 Teams That Could Deal for the Panthers' Steve Smith
At one time, Steve Smith was the most dangerous receiver in the NFL. During the 2005 season, Smith led all the league in receiving yards, receptions and touchdowns. He went on to have one of the most dominant playoffs in recent history, posting 27 catches for 335 yards and three touchdowns during the Panthers' three playoff games.
The 2005 season was the first of four consecutive 1,000-yard receiving seasons for Smith. However, with only 554 yards and two touchdowns last season, Smith appears to have lost his once brilliant luster.
Smith has been rumored to want out of Carolina. The teams that are going to be most interested in making a trade for Smith are the teams that feel they are legitimate Super Bowl contenders within the next few years.
Here is a look at five serious contenders who could make a deal for the once brilliant and fearless Steve Smith.
5. St. Louis Rams
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Are the Rams really Super Bowl contenders? Probably not, but they are the best team in the NFC West, and anything can happen once a team gets into the playoffs.
Sam Bradford is going to be an excellent quarterback. He had a fantastic rookie season with no real weapons at his disposal in the receiving game. The Rams picked up some nice receivers in the draft, but they will need time to develop.
Adding Smith to the Rams would give Bradford an elite target that can make plays after the catch. Smith is an experienced receiver that would help immensely in the development of Bradford. He has great speed, great hands and isn't afraid to take a hit to make a catch.
The Rams will be the favorites to be the top team in a poor NFC West. We have seen what Steve Smith is capable of doing in the playoffs. With a threat like Smith, the Rams could make a deep playoff run.
4. New York Giants
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Could you imagine having two Steve Smiths on the same team? Who would get their full name on their jersey?
In all seriousness, the Giants had a 10-6 record last year and barely missed out on the playoffs. They have a solid quarterback in Eli Manning and a great running back duo in Ahmad Bradshaw and Brandon Jacobs.
If the Giants added a weapon like Steve Smith, their passing game would become that much more dynamic. Hakeem Nicks had over 1,000 yards and 11 touchdowns. Mario Manningham had just under 1,000 yards and nine touchdowns.
Steve Smith could come in as a No. 2 receiver and open up a whole new dimension to the Giants offense. With Smith, Nicks, Manningham and another Smith, the Giants' receiving group would be the best in the league and nearly unstoppable.
3. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
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The Tampa Bay Buccaneers were the surprise team of the NFL last year. They went 10-6 behind the very impressive play of sophomore quarterback Josh Freeman.
Josh Freeman and Mike Williams hooked up 11 times for touchdowns last season. Williams was only a rookie last year but established himself as Freeman's favorite target early on.
The other key to the Buccaneers season was a re-energized rushing attack. LeGarrette Blount had over 1,000 yards rushing in only 13 games as an undrafted rookie.
The Buccaneers are a young team that looks very dangerous. However, other than Williams, no receiver amassed more than 400 yards. Steve Smith would give the Buccaneers that other receiving option they were missing last year.
The Buccaneers are a sleeper team to make a deep playoff run. Adding a player like Smith would take pressure off Williams and allow some of the younger receivers to develop. Smith would also be an extremely effective vertical threat for the huge arm of Freeman.
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2. New England Patriots
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This looks like a move that the Patriots would make.
Tom Brady is one of the best in the business, and that is with a less than stellar receiving group. Do you remember when the Patriots traded for a disgruntled Randy Moss? Does 50 touchdowns ring a bell to anyone?
Brady threw 36 touchdowns and only four interceptions last season on his way to another MVP performance. He put up these impressive numbers with Wes Welker, Deion Branch and Brandon Tate as his wide receivers. Of course, Brady did have impressive rookie seasons from tight ends Rob Gronkowski and Aaron Hernandez.
Adding Steve Smith to the Patriots would be a scary thing for opposing defenses. Welker had his best seasons as a slot receiver, and with Smith as the No. 1 receiver, Welker could move back to the slot. What Tom Brady has really missed is a deep threat. Smith could be that deep threat for Brady.
If Smith had a rebound year like Moss did when he first went to New England, the Patriots offense would be scary good. They are Super Bowl favorites every year, so the addition of Smith would only cement that status.
1. Green Bay Packers
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Surprised?
The Green Bay Packers already boast one of the best receiving groups in the NFL, but there are questions surrounding it. Will James Jones test free agency? Will Donald Driver continue to regress as he ages? Is Jordy Nelson a true No. 2 receiver?
The Packers drafted Randall Cobb in the second round, but he looks to be more of a third or fourth option right now. Cobb will certainly perform well in the return game, but his potential as a receiver is still a few years away.
If Steve Smith were to join the Packers, it would open up some interesting opportunities for the team.
First, they could get rid of James Jones. They won't be able to pay Jones what he wants, so they could let him walk. Second, they could let Donald Driver be the third or fourth option. Driver's numbers have been down, and he really can't be a second option anymore. Third, they could continue to let Nelson and Cobb develop instead of throwing them into a position they might not be ready for.
If the Packers make a trade for Smith, Aaron Rodgers and company might put up 40 points a game. They would have the potential to have an extremely special season.
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