There have been a lot of rumors circulating about the Ravens trading Steve Smith to a “contender” and possibly back to Carolina (who could use the help at receiver). Even his son tweeted that he’d like to see his dad back in Charlotte, but it doesn’t look like that’s going to happen. Smith shut down all speculation that he’d return to the Panthers in this Instagram post.
Smith is still very bitter after his unceremonious departure from the Panthers and wounds like that don’t heal easily. I don’t expect Carolina fans will ever see Smith back in their Blue and Black, but hopefully at some point he and the franchise will be able to make amends, because even though he won’t admit it, he’s a Panther at heart and should be properly recognized for his contribution during his twelve years on the team. He deserved better than what he got.