Is Smith right to question Panthers’ “patchwork” free agency?

Former Carolina Panthers wide receiver Steve Smith has had his say on the situation involving quarterback Cam Newton’s release from the franchise.

The situation regarding former Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton remains one of the hot topics in the NFL. He was released earlier this offseason after a glittering spell with the franchise. But it left him with very little starting options elsewhere.

Newton’s prolific ex-teammate with the Carolina Panthers, Steve Smith Sr., recently spoke out on the current situation regarding his old signal-caller on FOX Sports show The Herd.

The 2005 leader in receiving yards, touchdowns, and receptions stated he ‘wasn’t shocked’ by the Carolina Panthers’ decision to release Newton following a complete change in direction following the appointment of head coach Matt Rhule.

Smith also called the Panthers’ free agency moves “patchwork” during the first year of their expected rebuild. This has left expectations at an all-time low and it remains to be seen whether the organization can prove people wrong with a shortened offseason due to the coronavirus pandemic.

"“The lie would be, ‘Yes, I’m shocked.’ The truth is, ‘No, I’m not.’ And the reason I say that is because I talk to a lot of people, but I also understand where this team is and here’s what I mean … (new head coach) Matt Rhule had a seven-year deal — remove the money part. Seven years says, ‘We’re in this for the long haul. We understand it.’“And so, you got a new coach who wants to implement some of the stuff he wants. And if you don’t believe me, how does a guy have seven picks and he pick all defensive players? He’s filling the void of areas he believes need to be filled up — defense, young, cheap. He utilized offense through free agency, meaning — I called it patch work. Not that there’s anything wrong with Teddy Bridgewater, it’s just more so saying — Teddy Bridgewater’s not going to be the starting quarterback there for the next nine years. He’s not a spring chicken. He has a little bit of miles on his speedometer and some injuries, right? And so, then you have offensive line, who’s really trying to get fixed. They traded, put some guys in.”"

Smith also told Carolina Panthers fans who adored him for so many years that things could get worse before they get better. Something one expects they are already acutely aware of in 2020 and possibly beyond.

"“So there’s a long process in which they’re starting this process now. They’re warning the fans, even though you may not read the writing on the wall. I don’t want to say rebuilding — they’re rehabbing. They’re not removing the cabinetry completely. They’re sanding it down, stripping all the bad parts that they deem are bad. I’m not saying Cam is bad. They think they can do without. They’re repainting it. And that’s how rehabbing, construction kind of goes. It’s a process in phases.”"

The NFL is a ruthless business and a new regime brings with it significant changes. The writing was on the wall for Newton the moment Bridgewater signed his deal. But the move could have been done sooner given what the player has brought to the franchise since he was taken No. 1 overall.

Smith’s comments surrounding a patchwork free agency could be seen as short-sighted. The Carolina Panthers had one hand tied behind their back due to their lack of salary cap space and an unbelievable dead cap figure of $48.1 million.

Things might ease a bit next year which could result in the organization making more bold moves for some of the prominent free agents. However, they are currently left with the tools at their disposal and it is the main reason many expect them to struggle next season.

For Newton, it is just a case of wait and see with most other starting opportunities now gone. He is reportedly willing to accept a backup role. So it will be up to the 2015 NFL MVP to see what interest there is and pick the right fit accordingly.