Derrick Fox, the agent for Carolina Panthers receiver Steve Smith, believes his client's time in black-and-blue is over. While Smith's release appears imminent, he likely won't be unemployed for long: The Baltimore Ravens are reportedly eying the veteran. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers, meanwhile, reportedly released cornerback Darrelle Revis.
Carolina was unable to trade Smith and will now likely release him. Although Smith survived the first day of free agency without being cut, his agent expects him to be released any day now.
"(Smith) is not going to play for the Panthers next year, I know that," Fox told the Associated Press on Wednesday. "I just don't know when that transaction is going to take place. ...
"Where we are disappointed is the fact he signed an extension to stay loyal to the club and complete his career as a Panther. That is why we did the long-term deal. Now we are at a crossroads where the Panthers don't want him anymore."
While age is catching up to Smith, Fox believes his 34-year-old client can still be useful to a team.
"At 34, they could have kept him and run him in the slot," Fox said. "Steve wants to play in the slot. But he can't play the slot with the current roster, and he hasn't been able to play in the slot with the rosters in the past."
Baltimore is at least one team interested in signing Smith, according to NFL.com's Ian Rapoport.
Tampa Bay, meanwhile, reportedly parted ways with Revis. Fox Sports' Mike Garafolo reported on Wednesday the Buccaneers were cutting the veteran, as multiple reports earlier in the week indicated would happen. ESPN also confirmed the Bucs' release of Revis.
The Cleveland Browns, meanwhile, are expected to release Weeden, a 2012 first-round pick, next week. NFL.com's Mike Silver reported the Browns will cut Weeden on Monday.
