Carolina Panthers: All-Time Twenty Year Team

Jan 12, 2014; Charlotte, NC, USA; Carolina Panthers wide receiver Steve Smith (89) makes a touchdown catch against San Francisco 49ers cornerback Tarell Brown (25) during the first half of the 2013 NFC divisional playoff football game at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports

16. Z Wide Receiver – Steve Smith (2001-2013)

Another one of the easiest decisions ever. In fact the Panthers really have not had a history deep in the wide receiver but their history is dominated by two, Smith and Muhsin Muhammad. Beyond those two names you start looking at Mark Carrier, Donald Hayes, or even Rocket Ismail. Kelvin Benjamin might have been in consideration if he had played this year.

Smith holds every Panthers receiving record worth having. He will be the first Panther to get real Hall of Fame consideration when his career finally ends. He was and is fiery, intense, and enormously strong for such a smaller guy. He is the ultimate proof that you do not need to be tall to survive in the current NFL.

Hopefully Smith will return to retire as a Panther even if it is only one of those one day deals like Steve Beuerlein did.

I am also taking Smith as the punt returner. Anyone who remembers the 2005 NFC Championship Game will not question why that would be.

Next: X Wide Receiver