The agent of Carolina Panthers wide receiver Steve Smith has claimed that his client has played his last game for the team.
Smith has been with the Panthers since they chose him in the third round of the 2001 Draft and signed a three-year extension to his contract in 2012, taking him through to 2016.
However, Smith's representative Derrick Fox has claimed that Carolina are looking to trade or release the 34-year-old, despite the veteran wishing to retire as a Panther.
Fox told The AP: "[Smith] is not going to play for the Panthers next year, I know that. 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 team deal. Now we are at a crossroads where the Panthers don't want him anymore.
"It's my responsibility to find the best place for him to utilize his skills and passion for the game."
Smith is the Panthers' all-time leading receiver with 836 catches for 12,197 yards and 67 touchdowns.
Barney Corkhill
