Panthers sign WR Smith to 3 year extension

In a story that will surely become the inspiration for many short, fast wide receivers with NFL dreams of their own, Carolina Panther Steve Smith has become one of the NFL’s elite receivers over the past few seasons.

Starting next season, Smith will finally be getting paid like one.  Though the details of the contract have yet to be disclosed, Smith’s agent was quoted in the report as saying Smith with be making “significantly more” than his previous contract had him earning.

If anyone in the NFL deserves this raise, it’s Smith. He has matured into not only a dominant player on the field, but a world-class human being off of it as well. He is a leader in the Carolina locker room, and is likely one of the main reasons the Panthers felt comfortable cutting veteran receiver Keyshawn Johnson in favor of going with rookie Dwayne Jarrett from USC. Smith is the type of player who will be a mentor to Jarrett. It’s good to see him finally getting his due.

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