[vincesanity82]

Steve Smith has signed a contract extension that will last until 2012.

Smith, a third-round draft pick of the Panthers in 2001, was previously signed through 2009. He was due to earn salaries of $3.15 million, $3.6 million, and $4.2 million over the next three seasons, respectively.

There have been rumblings for nearly a year that Smith was unhappy with his deal, which was signed before he had an MVP-caliber campaign in 2005 -- and before the salary cap experienced unprecedented increases after the renegotiation of the Collective Bargaining Agreement in 2006. Smith has never complained publicly, but some believed that his recovery from a hamstring injury last season was delayed by his dissatisfaction with his compensation.

Financial terms are not yet available, but we presume there was a huge increase. (Then again, if his agent, Derrick Fox, doesn't leak the numbers within a day or so, league insiders will presume that there was nothing much for Fox to crow about.)


Good move on an extension now before he has another close call on the field..

Panthers sign Steve Smith to three-year extension - USATODAY.com

[Lefty Noob]

Yeah, I just got done reading about this myself. Essentially, Smith and his agent say that he plans to end his career as a Panther. He's arguably the best wideout in the league right now, definitely a top five guy, and its a smart move for Carolina to keep him around.

[MJHMarc]

Good planning, Panthers.

[vincesanity82]

Adam Schefter of NFL Network reports that the new contract signed by Panthers receiver Steve Smith carries roughly $27 million in new money.

In addition to the $10.95 million that Smith was scheduled to make over the next three years, his total deal is worth $37.95 million over six seasons.

It's still unknown how much of the money is guaranteed, and how much of it he'll get over the first three years.

[cwstech]

This just makes my day. I love to see #89 on the field for the Panthers on Sunday. I'm glad they are willing to spend the money to keep him. He is def one of the best in the game.

[Stoney]

Now he gets injured go figure...