It was expected that the Carolina Panthers would trade wide receiver Steve Smith to a more competitive situation as we headed into the offseason. As it turns out, that will not happen. According to NFL Network's Michael Lombardi, the Panthers will not trade the 32-year-old wide receiver. Pro Football Weekly reached out to Smith for comment, and he said "his family decided we wanted to stay." Smith reportedly met with Panthers general manager Marty Hurney on Wednesday night. It seems he convinced Smith to stay in the fold. Smith indicated to PFW that he will report to Panthers training camp when it opens Friday. Smith experienced the worst season since his 2001 rookie campaign last year. He caught 46 passes for 554 yards and two touchdowns.

Fantasy Analysis:

But that's what Jimmy Clausen will do to you. I'm not sure it's going to get a whole lot better under Cam Newton . It's a big deal for Netwon to he'll have Smith available. He needs that veteran that he can depend on. But we're still talking about Smith having to rely upon a rookie quarterback on an accelerated learning schedule for catches and yards. As will all rookie quarterbacks, there are going to be a lot of growing pains. Also, Smith is past his prime at age 32 and is not getting any quicker or faster. Plus, with the re-signing of DeAngelo Williams, the Panthers will remain a huge run-first offense. I'd say Smith is a deep WR3.