David Gettis

Carolina rookie quarterback Cam Newton had an interesting message for Steve Smith while visiting the wide receiver’s football camp Friday.

When asked why he wanted to play for the Panthers, Newton replied, “I wanted to have someone great to throw to." That obviously was directed straight for Smith because the Panthers have some promising young receivers, but Smith is the only guy they have who approaches the “great’’ category right now.

There have been all sorts of mixed messages about Smith’s future this offseason. There were reports he cleaned out his locker and had asked to be traded. Smith has denied that he’s asked to be traded.

He smiled when Newton made his comment, but wouldn’t discuss his future. Read into this what you want. But my take is it still remains a possibility that Smith will be traded. However, I’d say some recent events have me thinking the odds are leaning toward him staying. And Newton’s remark certainly doesn’t hurt those chances.

The most logical outcome this offseason is that Steve Smith stays with the Panthers. We don't see the Panthers moving Smith just to move him, and doubt the return in a trade would be enough to force the Panthers hand. Cam Newton could certainly use a #1 option ahead of Brandon LaFell and David Gettis on the depth chart.