Panthers legend Steve Smith correct in assessment of Devin Funchess

Steve Smith thinks the Panthers should move on from Funchess.

When former Carolina Panthers wide receiver Steve Smith talks, people tend to listen. Earlier this week he delivered a take that some may consider to be a bit outlandish, but I can certainly see where he is coming from.

Citing the fact that the Panthers have many weapons, Steve Smith said on the Garcia and Bailey radio show Thursday that the team should move on from veteran wideout Devin Funchess. Speaking about how the Panthers have hit a bump in the road among other things, Smith essentially said that the Panthers have enough weapons moving forward.

"“Look: Everybody knows who I like: I love D.J.,” said Smith. “And when you look at this offense, I kind of believe they’re a better offense without Devin Funchess because you get some of those younger guys who get separation.”"

As noted by Steve Taranto of 247Sports.com, Smith  then used statistics from Pro football Focus to back up his point. For what it’s worth, they are rather telling.

"“You know what that is? Separation from the defender when he catches the ball,” said Smith. “Now, I know I went to Los Angeles Unified School District and that’s public school, but 4.2 and 2.2 is different. That’s why you get guys like D.J. Moore who catches seven for 157. Devin Funchess ain’t getting seven for 157. Anything close to it.”"

I get the argument that we are dealing with two different receivers who play different styles of football. Funchess is more of your possession type of receiver, and uses his height to gain an advantage over the cornerbacks. Moore is your textbook speed receiver. He does not have the height, but he can quite literally outrun you. I understand that it is good to have multiple receivers with varying types of skill sets on your team. We are seeing just how valuable it is this year. It has given Cam Newton many valuable weapons to throw to.

However, it has created the need to not have Funchess on the team. The emergence of guys like Moore and Samuel combined with how often they use the running backs in the passing game makes up for the lack of catches on the part of Funchess. Due to the work that they did in the off-season acquiring players, the Panthers do not have a pressing need for a big-play wide receiver like they did at this time last year. It’s not that he is a bad wideout. It is just that the Panthers have found a way to get production from players who have more of a skill set than Funchess does.

With the amount of money he is going to command in the off-season, it is just not worth it for the Panthers to re-sign him at this point. Maybe he will show us something in the next five games to warrant a big contract. Right now however, he is not worth what he is probably going to be asking in the open market. Other Panthers have proven to be more productive. The bottom line is, I agree with Steve Smith.