What Would Panthers Accept For Steve Smith, Jimmy Clausen?

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by Kimberly Tadlock / Steve Lyerly

Story Created: Jun 30, 2011 at 6:20 PM EDT

Story Updated: Jul 22, 2011 at 10:27 AM EDT

Steve Smith = ?

When the lock-out ends, we'll know more about the Steve Smith situation.  According to a recent article in the Charlotte Observer, Smith's desire to play for a winning team, and the fact he's due more than $15 million over the next two years, might be enough for the team to trade him for a third-round pick. 

To put this in perspective, Carolina traded away a second-round pick for little-used Armanti Edwards; and Baltimore gave up their third and fourth round picks for WR Anquan Boldin and a fifth round selection.

Jimmy Clausen Trade?

Another big name being shuffled around the Carolina rumor mill is quarterback Jimmy Clausen.  But, word is the team is expected to keep Clausen. According to ESPN writer Pat Yasinskas, the Panthers need a backup for Cam Newton, and it's possible Clausen could be the opening-day starter if Newton is slow to pick up the playbook in training camp. There also are people within the organization who believe Clausen still has a chance to be a good NFL quarterback and was simply put in a bad spot last season.  More importantly, Clausen really wouldn't have much trade value right now.

So, what about the chances of Carolina signing Donovan McNabb? Check out a fan's take from Yahoo!

Panthers Off-Season Target

One priority this off-season is for the team to re-sign their core players. We now know Carolina's top objective is to re-sign defensive end Charles Johnson.
Johnson, who turns 25 this month, racked up 11.5 sacks last year. But, he only made $ 550,000, and he'll be looking for much more than that.  The team didn't franchise him, because it appears they're hopeful in re-signing Johnson to a long-term deal.

**Sound off on the questions you want me to address! Send your comments and emails to Steve at SportsSoundOff@foxcharlotte.com

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