Why isn't Brandon LaFell on more waiver wires? (1 Viewer)

[JohnnyU]

You can't get squat for him, yet he's not on the waiver wire in all 10 dynasty leagues I'm in. I don't get it. He's obviously of marginal talent, in an offense that will never feature him. There are plenty of WW players I'd rather take a chance on than to roster someone like LaFell. Will he ever play for you?

 

[Boston]

Probably because someone has to catch the ball in Carolina and he's young enough to hold out hope he will develop...right now Carolina has an aging Steve Smith and an above-average Greg Olsen and that's about it(how or why they have not given a young QB like Newton more weapons makes zero sense to me)...LaFell is the type of guy that an owner will take a flyer on and stash at the bottom of his roster with the hope he suddenly turns into a more productive wideout but he's not the type of guy many owners are looking to deal for...he's kind of stuck in a fantasy no-man's land...

 

[EBF]

One of those guys who does enough to make you feel bad about cutting him, but not enough to be useful.

I sent him packing for a 4th round rookie pick in the one league where I had him. Was able to package the 4th with an early 3rd for a 2014 2nd.

 

[Steed]

I see your reasoning, but how many starters are available on the ww? It's still early enough in his career, maybe he turns it around.

 

[Coeur de Lion]

Agree with the above -- he's young enough, Smith is old, and there's really no one else. I'm not thrilled with him, but most leagues have 100 WRs rostered give or take a few, so the #2 (even though he's likely only that by default) guy on a team with a good young QB should have a spot. He certainly doesn't carry any trade value -- people seem to not even want him as a throw in. And I've tried...

 

[ShaHBucks]

http://forums.footballguys.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=612870

I tried to pump the breaks on Lafell in that thread. He wouldn't make many good NFL teams active roster, but CAR thinks he's their 2nd best reciever. He's a slow, un-agile, tweener-size reciever with small hands, not some game changer. I never have, never will, consider touching Lafell for FF.

 

[bonesman]

You could probably ask the same of Golden Tate... pretty similar numbers through 3 years too.

 

[Beerguzzler]

I've been waiting on Smith to retire for 2 seasons now. Not about to cut him now...

 

[ConnSKINS26]

You could probably ask the same of Golden Tate... pretty similar numbers through 3 years too.

Tate was a great college player and has made some great plays in the NFL after a slow start to his career. He's exactly the kind of guy you buy on the cheap before he gets out of Seattle.

 

[bonesman]

You could probably ask the same of Golden Tate... pretty similar numbers through 3 years too.

Tate was a great college player and has made some great plays in the NFL after a slow start to his career. He's exactly the kind of guy you buy on the cheap before he gets out of Seattle.

Well, I personally think he continues his progress and plays a big part in that offense (especially if Percy misses any time) and they extend or resign him and let Rice walk. But he was someone I was offering as a throw in on deals I already thought were pretty fair and had no takers at all (pre and post Harvin trade).

 

[ConnSKINS26]

You could probably ask the same of Golden Tate... pretty similar numbers through 3 years too.

Tate was a great college player and has made some great plays in the NFL after a slow start to his career. He's exactly the kind of guy you buy on the cheap before he gets out of Seattle.

Well, I personally think he continues his progress and plays a big part in that offense (especially if Percy misses any time) and they extend or resign him and let Rice walk.

If you think this, above, then why do this, below?

But he was someone I was offering as a throw in on deals I already thought were pretty fair and had no takers at all (pre and post Harvin trade).

 

[bonesman]

Just because I'm fond of a player and think he'll succeed doesn't mean I can't find an upgrade to him. I like Tate a bunch, always have, but I've also thought his ceiling, his attic, his absolute shingles on the roof was high WR 2/low WR 1-ish range. That elite level just isn't really as fathomable as it is with some guys.

 

[ConnSKINS26]

Just because I'm fond of a player and think he'll succeed doesn't mean I can't find an upgrade to him. I like Tate a bunch, always have, but I've also thought his ceiling, his attic, his absolute shingles on the roof was high WR 2/low WR 1-ish range. That elite level just isn't really as fathomable as it is with some guys.

I was more referring to you saying you tried adding him as a free throw-in on deals you already thought were even. That's generally not something an owner does when he likes a young player a bunch, or more than average even. That's all I was saying. Seems inconsistent. I understand trying to push a deal over the top, but I generally don't do it with prospects I like and that I know I like more than most owners--it just doesn't make sense to throw away the value that you see in him when the other owner doesn't see it. So you throw in something else.

 

[Wise Old Owl]

He's a potential wr2 that you can add at wr3-4 costs. He's young and in a good situation so he has great value in dynasty. I viewed him and titus young as the same before Titus went off the rails.Low cost, young unproven wr in an offense that will pass often is a recipe for success.

He is similar to Sanu in both ADP and the sense that SOMEONE has to be the wr2 in the offense.

 

[ghostguy123]

He starts.................I can easily see why he wont bring much in a trade, and also why people wont give him up for peanuts.

 

[cstu]

He's a potential wr2 that you can add at wr3-4 costs. He's young and in a good situation so he has great value in dynasty. I viewed him and titus young as the same before Titus went off the rails.Low cost, young unproven wr in an offense that will pass often is a recipe for success.

He is similar to Sanu in both ADP and the sense that SOMEONE has to be the wr2 in the offense.

He's not exactly young at 27 this year and I have a hard time seeing WR2 when he's never had more than 700 yards. Not saying it won't happen but it's very unlikely.

 

[Biabreakable]

One of those guys who does enough to make you feel bad about cutting him, but not enough to be useful.

I sent him packing for a 4th round rookie pick in the one league where I had him. Was able to package the 4th with an early 3rd for a 2014 2nd.

Nice trade. This is how you do things folks. Rotate the marginal WW players for picks then once you build enough picks trade those picks for higher picks.

ETA- Domanik Hixon has done more that LaFell ever has and is only 29 years old. He has an injury history and is only on a 1 year contract, but it would not surprise me at all if he beats out LaFell for the WR2 role.

 

[jurb26]

He's had over 600 yds in each of the past 2 seasons and scored 7 TDs in that time span. I know those arent good numbers, but who are you going to find on the WW that matches it? Nobody in my leagues. Also, he's the clear #2 on an offense with a good young QB and an aging WR1. LaFell would and should be scooped up immediately off any WW just for that alone.

His trade value is about zero because he's basically performing about as poorly as a WR2 in the NFL can for fantasy purposes. As a LaFell owner in a dynasty league myself this is about what'd expect his value to be. He's just one of those guys who it doesn't make sense to cut bit will not likely see PT on my roster unless so etching changes or a drastic event happens. If he were to get demoted I'd bet several owners would cut him, perhaps me being one of them.

 

[MAC_32]

As a non lafell owner, and never a buyer, I have no interest in trading for him. Dime a dozen type. That said, if you the lafell owner didn't trade him this offseason you're basically pot committed to waiting and seeing at this point.

 

[pantherclub]

Probably because someone has to catch the ball in Carolina and he's young enough to hold out hope he will develop...right now Carolina has an aging Steve Smith and an above-average Greg Olsen and that's about it(how or why they have not given a young QB like Newton more weapons makes zero sense to me)...LaFell is the type of guy that an owner will take a flyer on and stash at the bottom of his roster with the hope he suddenly turns into a more productive wideout but he's not the type of guy many owners are looking to deal for...he's kind of stuck in a fantasy no-man's land...

I think if you have that mentality and want to gamble on the Panther offense then Hixon may turn out to be the play here. He is big and fast and has shown some flashes in NY. Problem was he was behind some really good wr's up there.

Hopefully he and Newton figure it out pretty quickly in training camp and he is on the field a lot.

I would stay far far away from Lafell.

 

[Steed]

Hixon wasn't behind those wrs in new York. They beat him out.

 

[DawnBTVS]

He's one of those guys who flashes talent (17.0 and 15.4 YPR the past 2 seasons on 36 and 44 catches) but he's stuck behind Steve Smith, Greg Olsen, and a focused running game. He finished 2nd on the team in receiving yards in 2011 and 3rd in 2012.

His ceiling is a WR2 around 850-900 yards in a given season but I don't think he will ever get the catches required to reach that due to the offensive system in place in Carolina. He strikes me as similar FF wise to the deep threats in the Saints system who teased year after year (see Devery Henderson).

I think people are keeping him two fold...

#1: The chance that Steve Smith retires and he suddenly takes over the #1 role in Carolina, which could net him a 1K season.

#2: The chance that the offensive system focuses more on the passing game and allows LaFell to reach 800-850 yards in a season with 6-7 TD.

 

[JohnnyU]

He's one of those guys who flashes talent (17.0 and 15.4 YPR the past 2 seasons on 36 and 44 catches) but he's stuck behind Steve Smith, Greg Olsen, and a focused running game. He finished 2nd on the team in receiving yards in 2011 and 3rd in 2012.

His ceiling is a WR2 around 850-900 yards in a given season but I don't think he will ever get the catches required to reach that due to the offensive system in place in Carolina. He strikes me as similar FF wise to the deep threats in the Saints system who teased year after year (see Devery Henderson).

I think people are keeping him two fold...

#1: The chance that Steve Smith retires and he suddenly takes over the #1 role in Carolina, which could net him a 1K season.

#2: The chance that the offensive system focuses more on the passing game and allows LaFell to reach 800-850 yards in a season with 6-7 TD.

Well said.

 

[ROYALWITCHEESE]

He's a hold. I got him as a throw in last offseason. The guy is impossible to trade right now. He flashes, then disappears due to his usage in that run heavy offense. He has Tampa Mike abilities IMO, but doesn't get the chances.

As for Hixon, rumors down here in NC are that LaFell is already locked in at WR2. Hixon was more a product of the Coughlin-Eli passing attack IMO, nowhere close to that with the Panthers.

You hold because A) he has talent to produce if his chances increase, B) Smith's drop off could happen at any time now, C) he's the clear starter, and D) you won't get his value in return.

 

[mjr]

The problem with LaFell is that he is fully capable of being a start-worthy WR3 at times (and even a on a few rare occasions a WR2), but doesn't get enough targets/receptions to pad those low weeks when he doesn't score a TD or get 80+ yards. So, there really isn't much of an in-between with this guy. He's either putting up 15-20 fantasy points or 0-5, with a 10 point game on average maybe twice a year.

The idea of Steve Smith not being there immediately puts this kid into WR2 status, easy. In that scenario LaFell would be Carolina's version of Stevie Johnson: a WR2 talent playing the WR1 role. And while you can definitely argue LaFell isn't as good as Johnson by direct comparison, having Newton throwing to him makes up a large part of that difference.

Practicing the art of patience can be a pain in the you know what, though. Smith is like the new Donald Driver; the guy everyone thinks is going to fade off any day now but just keeps hanging on. I went through this holding on to Jordy Nelson and James Jones for several years before Driver fell wayside and my holds finally paid off (both these WRs were on and off the WWs in many leagues during that time). And once again, you can certainly argue LaFell is never going to be a Jordy type, but when Smith finally fades off and the LaFell hype train finally gets rolling, you know it wont matter. Someone will cough up something to get Cam's #1WR, even if the consensus on boards like these are that he isn't a WR1 or high WR2 talent in the least.

So, short of Carolina drafting or bringing in a FA #1 WR talent for the intent purpose of replacing Smith, I'm fairly certain a LaFell hold will eventually pay off. And I think many people realize this, which is why he's not on many waiver wires, yet isn't trade worthy just yet because it's still too early to tell what Carolina will do when Smith finally has to step aside as the #1.

So obviously, once you're in for the long haul wait, the hard part is just keeping him at the bottom of your roster through god knows how much fantasy managing over X number of years until it finally happens.

 

[Tau837]

Some of the posts in here make it sound like he will be in Carolina indefinitely. In fact, he is an unrestricted free agent after this season. So another path to relevance for him is to play well enough to sign elsewhere for next season.

Despite Newton's presence in Carolina, there would be plenty of situations that would be better. Last season, Carolina was #25 in offensive plays, #26 in passing attempts, #16 in passing yards, and #24 in passing TDs. Combine that with having a very good #1 WR and a good receiving TE, as well as multiple RBs who are good receivers, and it's not surprising there wouldn't be a lot of opportunity for the #2 WR.

They have a new OC, Newton has another season and offseason under his belt, Smith is a year older, and Stewart looks as if he may not be healthy. Those things could all help LaFell to make another step forward this season.

For all of these reasons, he is a definite hold right now IMO.

 

[Biabreakable]

CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- Steve Smith said the competition at the Panthers wide receiver position this year is "cut throat," and the 13-year veteran receiver plans to stick around to see how it shakes out.

Smith, 33, told The Associated Press on Thursday he wants "to play 15 or 16 years" in the NFL, which would take him through the 2015 or 2016 season. Smith said he's drawn inspiration from former Tampa Bay Buccaneers cornerback Ronde Barber, who retired earlier this month after 16 seasons in the league.

"Physically I feel great right now," said Smith, who said he battled through knee injuries last season for the first time in his career.

Panthers coach Ron Rivera doesn't doubt Smith has plenty left in high-revving motor.

He said Smith is still at the top of his game and considers him the team's "pacesetter" each day at practice.

Last week at OTAs Smith went horizontal, stretching his body out to make a diving grab. Then Rivera said Smith made another leaping catch from Cam Newton in the back of the end zone.

Rivera has said he's had to remove Smith from practice drills so he doesn't injure himself because "he only knows one speed and that's full go."

Rivera said Smith, who has been to five Pro Bowls, will remain a huge fixture in the offense.

"If you get the ball to Steve Smith, something is going to happen," Rivera said.

Which receivers are going to get the ball remains a mystery.

Brandon LaFell returns as the starter opposite Smith, but the competition beyond that is wide open and nothing like Smith has ever seen before in his previous 12 seasons with the Panthers.

The Panthers signed free agents Domenik Hixon from the New York Giants and Ted Ginn Jr. from the San Francisco 49ers. They also have four other former draft picks on the roster --Armanti Edwards, Joe Adams, Kealoha Pilares and David Gettis, a former 15-game starter in 2011 before knee and hamstring injuries sidelined him for most of the past two seasons.

"This is the most competition I've seen and it's real, legitimate competition," Smith said. "The first day I walked into the receivers' room I could feel the thickness in there. It's kind of this uneasy feeling. You could feel the competition. You could feel the seriousness. No one was loose."

But Smith said that's a good thing.

He believes the competition will push everyone to become better and improve the entire team.

Smith said new general manager Dave Gettleman's decision to cut defensive end Thomas Keiser earlier this offseason "created a buzz" in the locker room and served as a wakeup call to some players.

Keiser was viewed as a solid role player and try-hard guy before injuries sidelined him for most of last season.

"When that happened guys were like, `Oh my gosh," Smith said. "It shows that you're not on scholarship. Everybody doesn't get a jersey or a number. The competition here, it is cut throat right now and some of these guys haven't been through anything like that before. Some of the guys have been drafted and might think they're going to fine. But when there's a new GM he can easily say you're not my guy."

Hixon, for one, is a Gettleman guy.

He played the last five seasons with the Giants -- where Gettleman was previously employed -- and helped them win two Super Bowls.

Hixon came to Carolina looking for more playing time. He caught 39 passes for 567 yards and two touchdowns last season for the Giants.

"The good thing is the teams that you see making the playoffs, they have a lot of guys that can play," Hixon said. "And believe me, we have a lot of guys that can play, or have shown they can play. That's a good recipe."

Ginn is another player looking for an opportunity.

He was a first-round draft pick by the Dolphins in 2007, but quickly fizzled out in Miami. He spent the last three years in San Francisco serving mostly as a returner.

He caught only 33 passes the past three seasons.

"You can tell he's really thirsty and wants that opportunity," Smith said of Ginn. "He's acting like `Hey I want to win somebody's job.' And there are other guys like, `I'm not going to let you win this job."

Smith said it all should make for an interesting training camp when the Panthers report to Spartanburg, S.C. on July 25.

"There is an open competition at the receiver and DB (defensive back) spots," Smith said. "One thing I'm going to do this summer is sit back and watch those 1-on-1 drills because they're going to be intense. It should be cool to watch."

http://espn.go.com/nfl/story/_/id/9326429/steve-smith-carolina-panthers-says-wants-play-15-16-years

I suppose if Smith wants to do that he can. Some rotoblurbs-

None of the media outlets covering the Panthers are giving Hixon a shot to beat out Brandon LaFell for No. 2 duties. They all have him merely trying to hold off Ted Ginn Jr. once the pads go on at camp. Regardless, the Panthers' top-two pass-catchers will almost certainly be Steve Smith and Greg Olsen. Jul 16 - 8:45 AM

Panthers agreed to terms with WR Domenik Hixon, formerly of the Giants, on a one-year contract.

Per CBS Sports' Jason La Canfora, the Browns were also "very interested." Joining Chase Blackburn, Hixon is the second ex-Giant new Panthers GM Dave Gettleman has signed away from his former team in as many weeks. All the way back from the second tear of his right ACL last season, Hixon caught 39 passes for 567 yards and two touchdowns as he played extensive snaps in place of a banged-up Hakeem Nicks. Also a capable return man, Hixon adds credibility to a Panthers receiver corps that remains thin on experienced talent behind Steve Smith. Hixon is much better than 2012 third receiver Louis Murphy and could wind up pushing Brandon LaFell for snaps.
Related: Giants

Source: Jason La Canfora on Twitter
Apr 3 - 4:59 PM

Training camp just started. Like I said it would not surprise me if Hixon beats out LaFell in camp despite what beat writers have been saying.

 

[ROYALWITCHEESE]

CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- Steve Smith said the competition at the Panthers wide receiver position this year is "cut throat," and the 13-year veteran receiver plans to stick around to see how it shakes out.



Smith, 33, told The Associated Press on Thursday he wants "to play 15 or 16 years" in the NFL, which would take him through the 2015 or 2016 season. Smith said he's drawn inspiration from former Tampa Bay Buccaneers cornerback Ronde Barber, who retired earlier this month after 16 seasons in the league.



"Physically I feel great right now," said Smith, who said he battled through knee injuries last season for the first time in his career.



Panthers coach Ron Rivera doesn't doubt Smith has plenty left in high-revving motor.

He said Smith is still at the top of his game and considers him the team's "pacesetter" each day at practice.



Last week at OTAs Smith went horizontal, stretching his body out to make a diving grab. Then Rivera said Smith made another leaping catch from Cam Newton in the back of the end zone.



Rivera has said he's had to remove Smith from practice drills so he doesn't injure himself because "he only knows one speed and that's full go."



Rivera said Smith, who has been to five Pro Bowls, will remain a huge fixture in the offense.



"If you get the ball to Steve Smith, something is going to happen," Rivera said.



Which receivers are going to get the ball remains a mystery.



Brandon LaFell returns as the starter opposite Smith, but the competition beyond that is wide open and nothing like Smith has ever seen before in his previous 12 seasons with the Panthers.



The Panthers signed free agents Domenik Hixon from the New York Giants and Ted Ginn Jr. from the San Francisco 49ers. They also have four other former draft picks on the roster --Armanti Edwards, Joe Adams, Kealoha Pilares and David Gettis, a former 15-game starter in 2011 before knee and hamstring injuries sidelined him for most of the past two seasons.



"This is the most competition I've seen and it's real, legitimate competition," Smith said. "The first day I walked into the receivers' room I could feel the thickness in there. It's kind of this uneasy feeling. You could feel the competition. You could feel the seriousness. No one was loose."



But Smith said that's a good thing.



He believes the competition will push everyone to become better and improve the entire team.

Smith said new general manager Dave Gettleman's decision to cut defensive end Thomas Keiser earlier this offseason "created a buzz" in the locker room and served as a wakeup call to some players.



Keiser was viewed as a solid role player and try-hard guy before injuries sidelined him for most of last season.



"When that happened guys were like, `Oh my gosh," Smith said. "It shows that you're not on scholarship. Everybody doesn't get a jersey or a number. The competition here, it is cut throat right now and some of these guys haven't been through anything like that before. Some of the guys have been drafted and might think they're going to fine. But when there's a new GM he can easily say you're not my guy."



Hixon, for one, is a Gettleman guy.



He played the last five seasons with the Giants -- where Gettleman was previously employed -- and helped them win two Super Bowls.



Hixon came to Carolina looking for more playing time. He caught 39 passes for 567 yards and two touchdowns last season for the Giants.



"The good thing is the teams that you see making the playoffs, they have a lot of guys that can play," Hixon said. "And believe me, we have a lot of guys that can play, or have shown they can play. That's a good recipe."



Ginn is another player looking for an opportunity.



He was a first-round draft pick by the Dolphins in 2007, but quickly fizzled out in Miami. He spent the last three years in San Francisco serving mostly as a returner.



He caught only 33 passes the past three seasons.



"You can tell he's really thirsty and wants that opportunity," Smith said of Ginn. "He's acting like `Hey I want to win somebody's job.' And there are other guys like, `I'm not going to let you win this job."

Smith said it all should make for an interesting training camp when the Panthers report to Spartanburg, S.C. on July 25.



"There is an open competition at the receiver and DB (defensive back) spots," Smith said. "One thing I'm going to do this summer is sit back and watch those 1-on-1 drills because they're going to be intense. It should be cool to watch."

http://espn.go.com/nfl/story/_/id/9326429/steve-smith-carolina-panthers-says-wants-play-15-16-years

I suppose if Smith wants to do that he can. Some rotoblurbs-

None of the media outlets covering the Panthers are giving Hixon a shot to beat out Brandon LaFell for No. 2 duties. They all have him merely trying to hold off Ted Ginn Jr. once the pads go on at camp. Regardless, the Panthers' top-two pass-catchers will almost certainly be Steve Smith and Greg Olsen. Jul 16 - 8:45 AM

Panthers agreed to terms with WR Domenik Hixon, formerly of the Giants, on a one-year contract.

Per CBS Sports' Jason La Canfora, the Browns were also "very interested." Joining Chase Blackburn, Hixon is the second ex-Giant new Panthers GM Dave Gettleman has signed away from his former team in as many weeks. All the way back from the second tear of his right ACL last season, Hixon caught 39 passes for 567 yards and two touchdowns as he played extensive snaps in place of a banged-up Hakeem Nicks. Also a capable return man, Hixon adds credibility to a Panthers receiver corps that remains thin on experienced talent behind Steve Smith. Hixon is much better than 2012 third receiver Louis Murphy and could wind up pushing Brandon LaFell for snaps.

Related: Giants

Source: Jason La Canfora on Twitter

Apr 3 - 4:59 PM

Training camp just started. Like I said it would not surprise me if Hixon beats out LaFell in camp despite what beat writers have been saying.

LOL Did you just end with a news blurb from 5 months ago to try to prove your point? Nice one.

 

[Biabreakable]

CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- Steve Smith said the competition at the Panthers wide receiver position this year is "cut throat," and the 13-year veteran receiver plans to stick around to see how it shakes out.

Smith, 33, told The Associated Press on Thursday he wants "to play 15 or 16 years" in the NFL, which would take him through the 2015 or 2016 season. Smith said he's drawn inspiration from former Tampa Bay Buccaneers cornerback Ronde Barber, who retired earlier this month after 16 seasons in the league.



"Physically I feel great right now," said Smith, who said he battled through knee injuries last season for the first time in his career.



Panthers coach Ron Rivera doesn't doubt Smith has plenty left in high-revving motor.

He said Smith is still at the top of his game and considers him the team's "pacesetter" each day at practice.



Last week at OTAs Smith went horizontal, stretching his body out to make a diving grab. Then Rivera said Smith made another leaping catch from Cam Newton in the back of the end zone.



Rivera has said he's had to remove Smith from practice drills so he doesn't injure himself because "he only knows one speed and that's full go."



Rivera said Smith, who has been to five Pro Bowls, will remain a huge fixture in the offense.



"If you get the ball to Steve Smith, something is going to happen," Rivera said.



Which receivers are going to get the ball remains a mystery.



Brandon LaFell returns as the starter opposite Smith, but the competition beyond that is wide open and nothing like Smith has ever seen before in his previous 12 seasons with the Panthers.



The Panthers signed free agents Domenik Hixon from the New York Giants and Ted Ginn Jr. from the San Francisco 49ers. They also have four other former draft picks on the roster --Armanti Edwards, Joe Adams, Kealoha Pilares and David Gettis, a former 15-game starter in 2011 before knee and hamstring injuries sidelined him for most of the past two seasons.



"This is the most competition I've seen and it's real, legitimate competition," Smith said. "The first day I walked into the receivers' room I could feel the thickness in there. It's kind of this uneasy feeling. You could feel the competition. You could feel the seriousness. No one was loose."



But Smith said that's a good thing.



He believes the competition will push everyone to become better and improve the entire team.

Smith said new general manager Dave Gettleman's decision to cut defensive end Thomas Keiser earlier this offseason "created a buzz" in the locker room and served as a wakeup call to some players.



Keiser was viewed as a solid role player and try-hard guy before injuries sidelined him for most of last season.



"When that happened guys were like, `Oh my gosh," Smith said. "It shows that you're not on scholarship. Everybody doesn't get a jersey or a number. The competition here, it is cut throat right now and some of these guys haven't been through anything like that before. Some of the guys have been drafted and might think they're going to fine. But when there's a new GM he can easily say you're not my guy."



Hixon, for one, is a Gettleman guy.



He played the last five seasons with the Giants -- where Gettleman was previously employed -- and helped them win two Super Bowls.



Hixon came to Carolina looking for more playing time. He caught 39 passes for 567 yards and two touchdowns last season for the Giants.



"The good thing is the teams that you see making the playoffs, they have a lot of guys that can play," Hixon said. "And believe me, we have a lot of guys that can play, or have shown they can play. That's a good recipe."



Ginn is another player looking for an opportunity.



He was a first-round draft pick by the Dolphins in 2007, but quickly fizzled out in Miami. He spent the last three years in San Francisco serving mostly as a returner.



He caught only 33 passes the past three seasons.



"You can tell he's really thirsty and wants that opportunity," Smith said of Ginn. "He's acting like `Hey I want to win somebody's job.' And there are other guys like, `I'm not going to let you win this job."

Smith said it all should make for an interesting training camp when the Panthers report to Spartanburg, S.C. on July 25.



"There is an open competition at the receiver and DB (defensive back) spots," Smith said. "One thing I'm going to do this summer is sit back and watch those 1-on-1 drills because they're going to be intense. It should be cool to watch."

http://espn.go.com/nfl/story/_/id/9326429/steve-smith-carolina-panthers-says-wants-play-15-16-years

I suppose if Smith wants to do that he can. Some rotoblurbs-

None of the media outlets covering the Panthers are giving Hixon a shot to beat out Brandon LaFell for No. 2 duties. They all have him merely trying to hold off Ted Ginn Jr. once the pads go on at camp. Regardless, the Panthers' top-two pass-catchers will almost certainly be Steve Smith and Greg Olsen. Jul 16 - 8:45 AM

Panthers agreed to terms with WR Domenik Hixon, formerly of the Giants, on a one-year contract.

Per CBS Sports' Jason La Canfora, the Browns were also "very interested." Joining Chase Blackburn, Hixon is the second ex-Giant new Panthers GM Dave Gettleman has signed away from his former team in as many weeks. All the way back from the second tear of his right ACL last season, Hixon caught 39 passes for 567 yards and two touchdowns as he played extensive snaps in place of a banged-up Hakeem Nicks. Also a capable return man, Hixon adds credibility to a Panthers receiver corps that remains thin on experienced talent behind Steve Smith. Hixon is much better than 2012 third receiver Louis Murphy and could wind up pushing Brandon LaFell for snaps.

Related: Giants

Source: Jason La Canfora on Twitter

Apr 3 - 4:59 PM

Training camp just started. Like I said it would not surprise me if Hixon beats out LaFell in camp despite what beat writers have been saying.

LOL Did you just end with a news blurb from 5 months ago to try to prove your point? Nice one.

Is there an expiration date on useful information?

 

[ROYALWITCHEESE]

CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- Steve Smith said the competition at the Panthers wide receiver position this year is "cut throat," and the 13-year veteran receiver plans to stick around to see how it shakes out.

Smith, 33, told The Associated Press on Thursday he wants "to play 15 or 16 years" in the NFL, which would take him through the 2015 or 2016 season. Smith said he's drawn inspiration from former Tampa Bay Buccaneers cornerback Ronde Barber, who retired earlier this month after 16 seasons in the league.



"Physically I feel great right now," said Smith, who said he battled through knee injuries last season for the first time in his career.



Panthers coach Ron Rivera doesn't doubt Smith has plenty left in high-revving motor.

He said Smith is still at the top of his game and considers him the team's "pacesetter" each day at practice.



Last week at OTAs Smith went horizontal, stretching his body out to make a diving grab. Then Rivera said Smith made another leaping catch from Cam Newton in the back of the end zone.



Rivera has said he's had to remove Smith from practice drills so he doesn't injure himself because "he only knows one speed and that's full go."



Rivera said Smith, who has been to five Pro Bowls, will remain a huge fixture in the offense.



"If you get the ball to Steve Smith, something is going to happen," Rivera said.



Which receivers are going to get the ball remains a mystery.



Brandon LaFell returns as the starter opposite Smith, but the competition beyond that is wide open and nothing like Smith has ever seen before in his previous 12 seasons with the Panthers.



The Panthers signed free agents Domenik Hixon from the New York Giants and Ted Ginn Jr. from the San Francisco 49ers. They also have four other former draft picks on the roster --Armanti Edwards, Joe Adams, Kealoha Pilares and David Gettis, a former 15-game starter in 2011 before knee and hamstring injuries sidelined him for most of the past two seasons.



"This is the most competition I've seen and it's real, legitimate competition," Smith said. "The first day I walked into the receivers' room I could feel the thickness in there. It's kind of this uneasy feeling. You could feel the competition. You could feel the seriousness. No one was loose."



But Smith said that's a good thing.



He believes the competition will push everyone to become better and improve the entire team.

Smith said new general manager Dave Gettleman's decision to cut defensive end Thomas Keiser earlier this offseason "created a buzz" in the locker room and served as a wakeup call to some players.



Keiser was viewed as a solid role player and try-hard guy before injuries sidelined him for most of last season.



"When that happened guys were like, `Oh my gosh," Smith said. "It shows that you're not on scholarship. Everybody doesn't get a jersey or a number. The competition here, it is cut throat right now and some of these guys haven't been through anything like that before. Some of the guys have been drafted and might think they're going to fine. But when there's a new GM he can easily say you're not my guy."



Hixon, for one, is a Gettleman guy.



He played the last five seasons with the Giants -- where Gettleman was previously employed -- and helped them win two Super Bowls.



Hixon came to Carolina looking for more playing time. He caught 39 passes for 567 yards and two touchdowns last season for the Giants.



"The good thing is the teams that you see making the playoffs, they have a lot of guys that can play," Hixon said. "And believe me, we have a lot of guys that can play, or have shown they can play. That's a good recipe."



Ginn is another player looking for an opportunity.



He was a first-round draft pick by the Dolphins in 2007, but quickly fizzled out in Miami. He spent the last three years in San Francisco serving mostly as a returner.



He caught only 33 passes the past three seasons.



"You can tell he's really thirsty and wants that opportunity," Smith said of Ginn. "He's acting like `Hey I want to win somebody's job.' And there are other guys like, `I'm not going to let you win this job."

Smith said it all should make for an interesting training camp when the Panthers report to Spartanburg, S.C. on July 25.



"There is an open competition at the receiver and DB (defensive back) spots," Smith said. "One thing I'm going to do this summer is sit back and watch those 1-on-1 drills because they're going to be intense. It should be cool to watch."

http://espn.go.com/nfl/story/_/id/9326429/steve-smith-carolina-panthers-says-wants-play-15-16-years

I suppose if Smith wants to do that he can. Some rotoblurbs-

None of the media outlets covering the Panthers are giving Hixon a shot to beat out Brandon LaFell for No. 2 duties. They all have him merely trying to hold off Ted Ginn Jr. once the pads go on at camp. Regardless, the Panthers' top-two pass-catchers will almost certainly be Steve Smith and Greg Olsen. Jul 16 - 8:45 AM

Panthers agreed to terms with WR Domenik Hixon, formerly of the Giants, on a one-year contract.

Per CBS Sports' Jason La Canfora, the Browns were also "very interested." Joining Chase Blackburn, Hixon is the second ex-Giant new Panthers GM Dave Gettleman has signed away from his former team in as many weeks. All the way back from the second tear of his right ACL last season, Hixon caught 39 passes for 567 yards and two touchdowns as he played extensive snaps in place of a banged-up Hakeem Nicks. Also a capable return man, Hixon adds credibility to a Panthers receiver corps that remains thin on experienced talent behind Steve Smith. Hixon is much better than 2012 third receiver Louis Murphy and could wind up pushing Brandon LaFell for snaps.

Related: Giants

Source: Jason La Canfora on Twitter

Apr 3 - 4:59 PM

Training camp just started. Like I said it would not surprise me if Hixon beats out LaFell in camp despite what beat writers have been saying.

LOL Did you just end with a news blurb from 5 months ago to try to prove your point? Nice one.

Is there an expiration date on useful information?

What's useful about it? It tells us Hixon signed with the Panthers and used to play for the Giants. We already knew that, like I said, 5 months ago. The rest of that blurb is conjecture and speculation. The fact that you ended your post with it only serves to give you away--you own Hixon and want him to win the job. And that's okay, just don't try and frame old information as new to add to your argument. You'd be better off taking a photo of some information in the latest fantasy magazine and posting that. At least it would be fresher.

As for Hixon, don't you think it was telling that with Nicks banged up all year and catching passes from Eli Manning on a team that had to throw a ton (due to a porous defense), that he was only able to pull in 39 passes? I do.

 

[pantherclub]

It's only 3 days in and the reports coming out on lafell are impressive. Maybe this contract year is going to set him off.

 

[Biabreakable]

CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- Steve Smith said the competition at the Panthers wide receiver position this year is "cut throat," and the 13-year veteran receiver plans to stick around to see how it shakes out.

Smith, 33, told The Associated Press on Thursday he wants "to play 15 or 16 years" in the NFL, which would take him through the 2015 or 2016 season. Smith said he's drawn inspiration from former Tampa Bay Buccaneers cornerback Ronde Barber, who retired earlier this month after 16 seasons in the league.



"Physically I feel great right now," said Smith, who said he battled through knee injuries last season for the first time in his career.



Panthers coach Ron Rivera doesn't doubt Smith has plenty left in high-revving motor.

He said Smith is still at the top of his game and considers him the team's "pacesetter" each day at practice.



Last week at OTAs Smith went horizontal, stretching his body out to make a diving grab. Then Rivera said Smith made another leaping catch from Cam Newton in the back of the end zone.



Rivera has said he's had to remove Smith from practice drills so he doesn't injure himself because "he only knows one speed and that's full go."



Rivera said Smith, who has been to five Pro Bowls, will remain a huge fixture in the offense.



"If you get the ball to Steve Smith, something is going to happen," Rivera said.



Which receivers are going to get the ball remains a mystery.



Brandon LaFell returns as the starter opposite Smith, but the competition beyond that is wide open and nothing like Smith has ever seen before in his previous 12 seasons with the Panthers.



The Panthers signed free agents Domenik Hixon from the New York Giants and Ted Ginn Jr. from the San Francisco 49ers. They also have four other former draft picks on the roster --Armanti Edwards, Joe Adams, Kealoha Pilares and David Gettis, a former 15-game starter in 2011 before knee and hamstring injuries sidelined him for most of the past two seasons.



"This is the most competition I've seen and it's real, legitimate competition," Smith said. "The first day I walked into the receivers' room I could feel the thickness in there. It's kind of this uneasy feeling. You could feel the competition. You could feel the seriousness. No one was loose."



But Smith said that's a good thing.



He believes the competition will push everyone to become better and improve the entire team.

Smith said new general manager Dave Gettleman's decision to cut defensive end Thomas Keiser earlier this offseason "created a buzz" in the locker room and served as a wakeup call to some players.



Keiser was viewed as a solid role player and try-hard guy before injuries sidelined him for most of last season.



"When that happened guys were like, `Oh my gosh," Smith said. "It shows that you're not on scholarship. Everybody doesn't get a jersey or a number. The competition here, it is cut throat right now and some of these guys haven't been through anything like that before. Some of the guys have been drafted and might think they're going to fine. But when there's a new GM he can easily say you're not my guy."



Hixon, for one, is a Gettleman guy.



He played the last five seasons with the Giants -- where Gettleman was previously employed -- and helped them win two Super Bowls.



Hixon came to Carolina looking for more playing time. He caught 39 passes for 567 yards and two touchdowns last season for the Giants.



"The good thing is the teams that you see making the playoffs, they have a lot of guys that can play," Hixon said. "And believe me, we have a lot of guys that can play, or have shown they can play. That's a good recipe."



Ginn is another player looking for an opportunity.



He was a first-round draft pick by the Dolphins in 2007, but quickly fizzled out in Miami. He spent the last three years in San Francisco serving mostly as a returner.



He caught only 33 passes the past three seasons.



"You can tell he's really thirsty and wants that opportunity," Smith said of Ginn. "He's acting like `Hey I want to win somebody's job.' And there are other guys like, `I'm not going to let you win this job."

Smith said it all should make for an interesting training camp when the Panthers report to Spartanburg, S.C. on July 25.



"There is an open competition at the receiver and DB (defensive back) spots," Smith said. "One thing I'm going to do this summer is sit back and watch those 1-on-1 drills because they're going to be intense. It should be cool to watch."

http://espn.go.com/nfl/story/_/id/9326429/steve-smith-carolina-panthers-says-wants-play-15-16-years

I suppose if Smith wants to do that he can. Some rotoblurbs-

None of the media outlets covering the Panthers are giving Hixon a shot to beat out Brandon LaFell for No. 2 duties. They all have him merely trying to hold off Ted Ginn Jr. once the pads go on at camp. Regardless, the Panthers' top-two pass-catchers will almost certainly be Steve Smith and Greg Olsen. Jul 16 - 8:45 AM

Panthers agreed to terms with WR Domenik Hixon, formerly of the Giants, on a one-year contract.

Per CBS Sports' Jason La Canfora, the Browns were also "very interested." Joining Chase Blackburn, Hixon is the second ex-Giant new Panthers GM Dave Gettleman has signed away from his former team in as many weeks. All the way back from the second tear of his right ACL last season, Hixon caught 39 passes for 567 yards and two touchdowns as he played extensive snaps in place of a banged-up Hakeem Nicks. Also a capable return man, Hixon adds credibility to a Panthers receiver corps that remains thin on experienced talent behind Steve Smith. Hixon is much better than 2012 third receiver Louis Murphy and could wind up pushing Brandon LaFell for snaps.

Related: Giants

Source: Jason La Canfora on Twitter

Apr 3 - 4:59 PM

Training camp just started. Like I said it would not surprise me if Hixon beats out LaFell in camp despite what beat writers have been saying.

LOL Did you just end with a news blurb from 5 months ago to try to prove your point? Nice one.

Is there an expiration date on useful information?

What's useful about it? It tells us Hixon signed with the Panthers and used to play for the Giants. We already knew that, like I said, 5 months ago. The rest of that blurb is conjecture and speculation. The fact that you ended your post with it only serves to give you away--you own Hixon and want him to win the job. And that's okay, just don't try and frame old information as new to add to your argument. You'd be better off taking a photo of some information in the latest fantasy magazine and posting that. At least it would be fresher.

As for Hixon, don't you think it was telling that with Nicks banged up all year and catching passes from Eli Manning on a team that had to throw a ton (due to a porous defense), that he was only able to pull in 39 passes? I do.

The most relevant part of this ( if you would actually read what I posted instead of sticking your head in the sand because it something you do not want to hear) is that Steve Smith intends to be playing for the Panthers until 2015-16. So those thinking that LaFell is going to fall into the WR1 role any time soon might want to know that.

Also Steve Smith is talking about the competition at the WR position. He also mentions that Hixon is the new GM's guy.

That certainly does not mean that Hixon will win the WR2 job, but he is likely going to be in the mix and will get targets which lowers some of the upside for LaFell. Both of these players are in 1 year contracts so they are not only playing for a spot with Carolina but looking to get a new contract, so both should be playing pedal to the metal which is good for Carolina. LaFell is not getting the job by default. He has to earn it.

Personally I think the team pace setter Steve Smith's take on the situation is more relevant than what some beat writers may be saying.

 

[ROYALWITCHEESE]

CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- Steve Smith said the competition at the Panthers wide receiver position this year is "cut throat," and the 13-year veteran receiver plans to stick around to see how it shakes out.

Smith, 33, told The Associated Press on Thursday he wants "to play 15 or 16 years" in the NFL, which would take him through the 2015 or 2016 season. Smith said he's drawn inspiration from former Tampa Bay Buccaneers cornerback Ronde Barber, who retired earlier this month after 16 seasons in the league.



"Physically I feel great right now," said Smith, who said he battled through knee injuries last season for the first time in his career.



Panthers coach Ron Rivera doesn't doubt Smith has plenty left in high-revving motor.

He said Smith is still at the top of his game and considers him the team's "pacesetter" each day at practice.



Last week at OTAs Smith went horizontal, stretching his body out to make a diving grab. Then Rivera said Smith made another leaping catch from Cam Newton in the back of the end zone.



Rivera has said he's had to remove Smith from practice drills so he doesn't injure himself because "he only knows one speed and that's full go."



Rivera said Smith, who has been to five Pro Bowls, will remain a huge fixture in the offense.



"If you get the ball to Steve Smith, something is going to happen," Rivera said.



Which receivers are going to get the ball remains a mystery.



Brandon LaFell returns as the starter opposite Smith, but the competition beyond that is wide open and nothing like Smith has ever seen before in his previous 12 seasons with the Panthers.



The Panthers signed free agents Domenik Hixon from the New York Giants and Ted Ginn Jr. from the San Francisco 49ers. They also have four other former draft picks on the roster --Armanti Edwards, Joe Adams, Kealoha Pilares and David Gettis, a former 15-game starter in 2011 before knee and hamstring injuries sidelined him for most of the past two seasons.



"This is the most competition I've seen and it's real, legitimate competition," Smith said. "The first day I walked into the receivers' room I could feel the thickness in there. It's kind of this uneasy feeling. You could feel the competition. You could feel the seriousness. No one was loose."



But Smith said that's a good thing.



He believes the competition will push everyone to become better and improve the entire team.

Smith said new general manager Dave Gettleman's decision to cut defensive end Thomas Keiser earlier this offseason "created a buzz" in the locker room and served as a wakeup call to some players.



Keiser was viewed as a solid role player and try-hard guy before injuries sidelined him for most of last season.



"When that happened guys were like, `Oh my gosh," Smith said. "It shows that you're not on scholarship. Everybody doesn't get a jersey or a number. The competition here, it is cut throat right now and some of these guys haven't been through anything like that before. Some of the guys have been drafted and might think they're going to fine. But when there's a new GM he can easily say you're not my guy."



Hixon, for one, is a Gettleman guy.



He played the last five seasons with the Giants -- where Gettleman was previously employed -- and helped them win two Super Bowls.



Hixon came to Carolina looking for more playing time. He caught 39 passes for 567 yards and two touchdowns last season for the Giants.



"The good thing is the teams that you see making the playoffs, they have a lot of guys that can play," Hixon said. "And believe me, we have a lot of guys that can play, or have shown they can play. That's a good recipe."



Ginn is another player looking for an opportunity.



He was a first-round draft pick by the Dolphins in 2007, but quickly fizzled out in Miami. He spent the last three years in San Francisco serving mostly as a returner.



He caught only 33 passes the past three seasons.



"You can tell he's really thirsty and wants that opportunity," Smith said of Ginn. "He's acting like `Hey I want to win somebody's job.' And there are other guys like, `I'm not going to let you win this job."

Smith said it all should make for an interesting training camp when the Panthers report to Spartanburg, S.C. on July 25.



"There is an open competition at the receiver and DB (defensive back) spots," Smith said. "One thing I'm going to do this summer is sit back and watch those 1-on-1 drills because they're going to be intense. It should be cool to watch."

http://espn.go.com/nfl/story/_/id/9326429/steve-smith-carolina-panthers-says-wants-play-15-16-years

I suppose if Smith wants to do that he can. Some rotoblurbs-

None of the media outlets covering the Panthers are giving Hixon a shot to beat out Brandon LaFell for No. 2 duties. They all have him merely trying to hold off Ted Ginn Jr. once the pads go on at camp. Regardless, the Panthers' top-two pass-catchers will almost certainly be Steve Smith and Greg Olsen. Jul 16 - 8:45 AM

Panthers agreed to terms with WR Domenik Hixon, formerly of the Giants, on a one-year contract.

Per CBS Sports' Jason La Canfora, the Browns were also "very interested." Joining Chase Blackburn, Hixon is the second ex-Giant new Panthers GM Dave Gettleman has signed away from his former team in as many weeks. All the way back from the second tear of his right ACL last season, Hixon caught 39 passes for 567 yards and two touchdowns as he played extensive snaps in place of a banged-up Hakeem Nicks. Also a capable return man, Hixon adds credibility to a Panthers receiver corps that remains thin on experienced talent behind Steve Smith. Hixon is much better than 2012 third receiver Louis Murphy and could wind up pushing Brandon LaFell for snaps.

Related: Giants

Source: Jason La Canfora on Twitter

Apr 3 - 4:59 PM

Training camp just started. Like I said it would not surprise me if Hixon beats out LaFell in camp despite what beat writers have been saying.

LOL Did you just end with a news blurb from 5 months ago to try to prove your point? Nice one.

Is there an expiration date on useful information?

What's useful about it? It tells us Hixon signed with the Panthers and used to play for the Giants. We already knew that, like I said, 5 months ago. The rest of that blurb is conjecture and speculation. The fact that you ended your post with it only serves to give you away--you own Hixon and want him to win the job. And that's okay, just don't try and frame old information as new to add to your argument. You'd be better off taking a photo of some information in the latest fantasy magazine and posting that. At least it would be fresher.As for Hixon, don't you think it was telling that with Nicks banged up all year and catching passes from Eli Manning on a team that had to throw a ton (due to a porous defense), that he was only able to pull in 39 passes? I do.

The most relevant part of this ( if you would actually read what I posted instead of sticking your head in the sand because it something you do not want to hear) is that Steve Smith intends to be playing for the Panthers until 2015-16. So those thinking that LaFell is going to fall into the WR1 role any time soon might want to know that.

Also Steve Smith is talking about the competition at the WR position. He also mentions that Hixon is the new GM's guy.

That certainly does not mean that Hixon will win the WR2 job, but he is likely going to be in the mix and will get targets which lowers some of the upside for LaFell. Both of these players are in 1 year contracts so they are not only playing for a spot with Carolina but looking to get a new contract, so both should be playing pedal to the metal which is good for Carolina. LaFell is not getting the job by default. He has to earn it.

Personally I think the team pace setter Steve Smith's take on the situation is more relevant than what some beat writers may be saying.

Of course he does. All players want to play as long as they can. Fact is he is 34. Do you think he has 3 1000 yard seasons left? I don't.

Tom Brady also wants to play 10 more years. You believe that as well?

 

[Biabreakable]

WR tend to see a decline in performance at 33-34 and then another dip at 35-36. However I see no reason why any other WR would command more targets than Smith over that time frame unless Smith rapidly declines or has a major injury. I weighed in on this somewhat here: http://forums.footballguys.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=684193

LaFell would need a new contract to be in line to benefit from the eventual departure of Smith in 2015-16. I think it is unrealistic to assume he has done enough to earn that new contract (he would likely have one then) or take over the WR1 role from Smith even with a new contract over the next 3-4 seasons.

As far as Smith being able to put up 3 consecutive 1k seasons at age 34-36? Yes if heathy I think he will. Joey Galloway and other WR who I do not consider as good as Steve Smith have been able to put up those numbers even at age 35-36. It is rare. Most teams will move on by then. But then most WR are not like Steve Smith who is pretty much the best player the Carolina Panthers have had in the history of their franchise.

In 2011 Steve Smith was named by Jerry Rice as the best receiver in the NFL.

So while age is not on Smith's side, yes I could very easily see him being the top WR for the Panthers and getting 3 more 1k yard seasons.

 

[jurb26]

So while age is not on Smith's side, yes I could very easily see him being the top WR for the Panthers and getting 3 more 1k yard seasons.

Personally, I would be shocked if Smith maintained 1000 yd seasons for the next 3 seasons. It's possible I suppose. Just pretty unlikely IMO.

As for LaFell, I'm surprised it hasn't been mentioned that he battled injuries last year and played in only 14 games as well as missed time in 2 others. He has shown improvement all 3 seasons in the NFL. From what I'm hearing LaGell is looking very good thus far in camp as well. Hixon seems like no threat to me.

 

[pantherclub]

http://www.catscratchreader.com/2013/7/28/4565778/carolina-panthers-training-camp-2013-sunday-impressions

Something to keep an eye on as the preseason games start. I have never been a big Lafell fan, he isnt fast, doesnt fight for the ball etc but this is a contract year and he does have a good qb

Two receivers set themselves apart in the day's session: Brandon LaFell, and Ted Ginn. Nobody was better than LaFell over the weekend, and if I had to give belabored 'MVP' award, it would go to him. He was the only receiver who didn't drop a single pass, and looks a little faster than he's been in the past.