This trade comes on the heels of them acquiring defensive back Michael Bennett from the Seattle Seahawks.
This season, Smith played a big part in the Eagles success, catching 36 passes for 430 yards and two touchdowns for this season. In the postseason, he had 13 catches for 157 yards and a touchdown. That means the Carolina Panthers just got a player who can still be a threat even as he gets older.
The reasons for the trade make sense, because Philadelphia is currently $14 million over the salary cap and they need to shed some payroll. That is especially true with Michael Bennett, who might be looking to get more money at one point. This season, Smith is set to make a base salary of $5 million, which is what the Eagles can't afford. The player the Eagles got back, Daryl Worley, is still on a four-year rookie deal that is worth $650,000. The Eagles can afford that and not what Smith wants.
While Daryl Worley did have a fantastic start to the season for the Carolina Panthers, the second half saw him in and out of the lineup and his play wasn't quite the same as James Bradberry, who played opposite him. When healthy, he started 14 of 15 games, but only played one snap in the Week 6 game against the Eagles before being pulled out. He was being subbed in and out, due to his play not at the level the Panthers expected it to.
With Smith, the Panthers get a veteran wide receiver that head coach Ron Rivera had been asking for. Smith is a speedy receiver who can beat defenders and has big playmaking ability, that example being in the playoffs. He only had three drops all season, which means he is somebody that can catch a football and hold onto it, even through traffic.
I feel like Torrey Smith has been under appreciated for most of his career, despite his two Super Bowl rings, one in Baltimore and one in Philadelphia. I felt like his tenure in San Francisco may have been the one area that left many skeptical about his career, and perhaps his asking for money from the Ravens for the Super Bowl might've been the reason he left for San Francisco. Torrey Smith is an amazing player, he's an agile wide receiver who doesn't let down his team, and he's a leader and a veteran one that young players are looking for. I think what Smith brings to the Carolina Panthers is something that not only does this team need, but I think their quarterback Cam Newton needs. I only say that because of his recent behavior, especially towards the media and all that. If Smith can come in and provide the sort of leadership and determination that we saw in both Baltimore and Philadelphia, I think Carolina has a big shot to be in the playoffs again and be a deep threat when there.
It was all business in Philadelphia after this season. They had a great season they resulted in a Super Bowl and now they have to shed money. I don't blame them for doing this, but what they're giving up is a guy who is a veteran, a playmaker, and a wide receiver you can count on. There's not many of those in the NFL, but the Panthers just managed to land one, and that could have deep impact on that NFC South.
No comments:
Post a Comment