Panthers wide receiver Steve Smith now says he wants to remain with the team now and in the future.
"For me, I'm always going to be a Panther," Smith said.
"They took a shot on me when I was coming from nowhere and now I'm going into my 11th year in the league. This will be where I retire, whether that's five years from now or one year from now."
Smith, a four-time Pro Bowl selection, did have lengthy discussions with his wife about what they wanted to do in the future and where they wanted to be.
Steve Smith Wants To Retire With Panthers