Panthers, Steve Smith agree to three-year extension
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The Carolina Panthers and receiver Steve Smith have agreed to a three-year contract extension today that includes roughly $18 million in guaranteed money, according to NFL Network's Jason La Canfora.
Smith, the team's third-round pick in 2001, turns 33 next month and is now under contract through 2015 and the club has an option for 2016.
After a disappointing season in 2010 (46 receptions for 554 yards and two touchdowns), it seemed possible that Smith and the Panthers would part ways.
Instead Smith had 79 receptions for 1,394 yards, which ranked fifth in the NFL, and seven touchdowns in Cam Newton's rookie season. If you look at Smith's splits, however, he had a much better first half (46-918-4) than second half (33-476-3) of the season.
Smith holds the franchise record for receptions (699), receiving yards (10,278) and receiving touchdowns (59).
In our early preseason fantasy rankings, Smith is our 20th-ranked wide receiver.
