Steve Smith expected to be released in Carolina, could the Pats be a fit?

Carolina wide receiver Steve Smith had his famous "Ice Up Son!" bout with Patriots cornerback Aqib Talib this season. Of course, it wasn't the only heavyweight match Smith has had with Foxborough's finest, as he also went up against Bill Belichick's defense in Super Bowl XXXVIII.

Now, could Smith be switching sides and joining the Patriots?

It's a real possibility as the life long Panther and 13 year vet may be given his walking papers in Carolina.

ProFootballTalk:

Usually one of the last things a team does before cutting a guy they plan to cut anyway is give everyone one last chance.

That appears to be the case with the Panthers, as Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network says they’re attempting to trade the veteran wide receiver. With a $7 million cap hit, that seems unlikely.

It’s been clear that new General Manager Dave Gettleman wasn’t comfortable with Smith at his current price, and Smith wasn’t comfortable with the way it was handled.

Smith has been Cam Newton's go-to target, but still struggled with injuries at times last season and saw his production decline overall. The team is shifting in a new direction and Smith could be the last of the old guard to go.

His salary also has a lot to do with it. He's owed a $4 million dollar salary, with a $7 million cap hit as pointed out above. No team is going to trade for him for that kind of money.

The Patriots are rumored to be a suitor, but it's not likely they will pounce on a trade and take that salary. Instead, if they acquired Smith, they'd wait until he was released to sign him on a cheaper salary.

Of course, they have their hands full right now trying to re-sign Julian Edelman and Aqib Talib, but they could get Smith at a great value. He's the type of tough veteran receiver the Patriots like to bring in. It makes sense, but it all depends on if Carolina pulls the trigger on the release.