NFL Rumors: Chargers Showing Interest In Steve Smith (CAR)?

Kevin Acee of the San Diego Union-Tribune is reporting that the San Diego Chargers have been “monitoring” Panthers WR Steve Smith and his current situation in Carolina. Acee draws a parallel between this situation and what took place in Indianapolis in regards to Bob Sanders.

“That is comparable to how they went about signing free agent safety Bob Sanders in March, letting other teams woo Sanders before making an offer to a player who wanted to be a Charger,” writes Acee.

A few weeks ago it was reported that Smith cleaned out his locker and informed the team that he no intentions of playing for the Panthers any longer. Smith mentioned that he would like to play for wither the Chargers or the Ravens so Chargers GM A.J. Smith is well aware his leverage in the situation.

Other reports surfaced that the Panthers were willing to appease Smith’s requests to be traded so there’s a good chance that this will be a hot topic once the lockout is lifted. ESPN’s Pat Yasinskas thinks that a deal could get done for a second or third-round pick.

San Diego, so far, has franchised WR Vincent Jackson and drafted WR Vincent Brown.  Their current receiving core would consists of those two as well as Seyi Ajirotutu, Patrick Crayton, Craig Davis and Richard Goodman. The addition of Smith would give them a solid possession receiver with plenty lot of speed which is something that this receiving core could use. Philip Rivers has shown that he can consistently produce no matter who’s running routes but pairing Smith with Vincent Jackson and Antonio Gates would be the best group of receivers that he’s ever had.