The Dolphins have traded veteran quarterback Josh McCown to the Panthers for an undisclosed 2009 draft pick, according to South Florida Sun-Sentinel. "I'm excited for the opportunity," McCown said after hearing of the deal. The Dolphins signed McCown on March 1 to a two-year deal worth $6.25 million, but the addition of Chad Pennington clouded his future in Miami.

Former Bears wide receiver Muhsin Muhammad, who signed with the Panthers this offseason, recently knocked his former team, according to About.com. Muhammad reportedly told Sports Illustrated's Peter King that Chicago is "where receivers go to die."

Carolina quarterback Jake Delhomme doesn't believe that the fight between Steve Smith and Ken Lucas will slow the Panthers this season, according to The Associated Press. "Guys talked; Steve knew he did wrong. But the biggest thing out of all of them was Ken Lucas. For Ken Lucas to get up here, guys could really release a lot of emotions about listening to Ken and feeling how he felt," Delhomme said. Delhomme hinted that Smith plays his best when on edge. "I know the question you're saying. But when Steve came out of his mom, he had that edge," he added. "I truly believe that. Guys feed off Steve when Steve plays -- offensively, defensively, everybody feeds off Steve. That is just my opinion. I know when the lights come on he will still be the same Steve."

Panthers receiver Steve Smith returned to the team on Monday for the first time since punching teammate Ken Lucas at practice, according to The Associated Press. He apologized to his Carolina teammates, coaches and fans as well. "I'm not going to get into who's right, who's wrong. I'm completely wrong," Smith said. "It was an asinine decision. And I'll move forward better than I probably have ever had to. It's the first time in my life that I really haven't forgiven myself." Lucas returned to the team as well. He said he accepted Smith's apology, but added that he'll probably be sidelined two to three weeks. "Depending on the surgery," Lucas said. "We're still waiting on the doctors to give us the timetable on when we're going to have this procedure done."

The Panthers have suspended Steve Smith two games for his involvement in a training camp fight with Ken Lucas, as reported by the Associated Press. Smith will participate in pre-season games and be allowed to practice with the team beginning Monday.

Steve Smith and cornerback Ken Lucas exchanged blows during a sideline altercation at Friday morning's practice at Wofford College. Lucas left the field bloodied and with an ice pack over his left eye. Smith was escorted from the practice field by General Manager Marty Hurney. The two men were on the sidelines while other members of the team were working through special teams drills when the fight broke out. They exchanged several punches before teammates and Coach John Fox charged in to break up the fight. Linebacker Jon Beason had to pull Smith away from Lucas. It took several people to restrain the men and restore order. Neither player was wearing a helmet at the time of the fight.