TheOak

Why was he released? The "cap" reason doesn't hold water.

You don't cut a WR1 to save $3m in cap. Or to save $3m out of the owners pocket.

I do not buy the QB crap either.
Smith had one of his worst seasons in his career while Cam Newton had his best (Most TDs, highest Comp %, least INTs, best W/L)? Cam Newton is not good enough to tap Steve Smiths potential but good enough to make Greg Olson the 6th best TE in the league statistically?


You don't do that, UNLESS you are going in a different direction because that player isn't getting it done. EG. Cutting Beason for $8m in dead money.

Jack Vegas

Their GM said he was disruptive to the team.

Report: Panthers GM views WR Steve Smith as a distraction - CBSSports.com

TheOak

Now THAT I buy, and his parting comments below also back that up. Is this something we really want in our locker room?

A man that is so disruptive in the locker room he is let go then promises "Blood and guts everywhere"? He is the polar opposite of Colston and that reason is part of why Colston is loved so much.

“put your goggles on because there’s going to be blood and guts everywhere.”

Read more here: Carolina Panthers release wide receiver Steve Smith, who promises ‘blood and guts’ as an opponent | CharlotteObserver.com