I can’t for the life of me imagine why the Panthers would trade Steve Smith for this one incident. Yes, he had a similar issue…6 years ago! And his ego can rub people the wrong way for sure. The problem with these rumors is that Steve Smith is an integral part of the Panther offense, an offense that HC John Fox and GM Marty Hurney are banking their jobs on. That’s why there is no way the Panthers will trade him, even if it is but who else…the Cowboys calling on the line. I’ve often joked with the SBN Cowboys blogger Dave Halprin that anytime a star player gets in trouble the immediate rumor is that Jerry Jones is interested. There is always some rumor floating around Cowboy land.

Here’s what ESPN Cowboy lover Matt Mosley has to say about it:

There have been rumblings out of Panthers camp that club officials are fed up with Smith's actions (not just the latest incident) and are at least considering the idea of dealing him to another team.

The idea of trading one of the best receivers in football seems far-fetched, but Smith has become a divisive force on the team. One Panthers source said that several defensive backs were walking around after the recent incident saying that if management didn't discipline Smith, they would. This isn't exactly the best way to begin a season.

All that to say that I know an owner in the NFC East who has spent the last four months coveting another star wide receiver. Cowboys owner Jerry Jones struckout with Chad Johnson, the Lions' Roy Williams and Anquan Boldin, but behind closed doors, he's still pining away for someone to play opposite Terrell Owens.

I'm sure the Cowboys would love to have Smith but keep dreaming 'Boys! Sending Smith to the Cowboys would essentially hand the NFC crown to the 'Boys in a season the Panthers hope to get there themselves.

If you read this blog last season you know I’m not crazy about Pat Yasinkas’ writing but there no denying he does have access to the Panther organization grape vine. He’s also not one to speculate too much so a rumor like this may have some meat to it. In the end I still can’t see the Panthers trading him unless this incident becomes a big divisive issue that the team can’t get over. So far it looks like they are doing and saying the right things to prevent that from happening.

So what might the Panthers request from the Cowboys for Smith? A first round pick for sure. Another receiver like Patrick Crayton would make sense too. And maybe one more late round pick to sweeten the pot. Still not enough for a Top 5 receiver in my book. Anyone out there think there’s any truth to this rumor?