Legendary NFL Receiver Reveals Time He Nearly Joined Patriots

Steve Smith Sr. spent 13 illustrious, and at times turbulent, seasons with the Carolina Panthers. But he didn’t finish his career with the franchise he is most associated with.

The Panthers ended up releasing the five-time Pro Bowler wide receiver in March 2014 and Smith had options on where he could go to next.

While Smith ultimately ended up with the Baltimore Ravens, where he played three seasons before retiring, he revealed on Julian Edelman’s “Games With Names” podcast that he had his sights set on joining the New England Patriots.

“That year a former teammate of mine was on the team couple of months before, Damione Lewis. So he already had gave me information on where to stay,” Smith said. “You talk about bags packed? One foot in, one foot out.”

The Panthers reportedly tried to trade Smith before he was released, which meant Smith wasn’t in full control of his next destination. But with a trade not working out, Smith hit the open market as a free agent.

He had planned a trip to Baltimore and had expected to visit the Patriots as well. But the one issue? Edelman, who Smith thought also met with the Ravens, re-signed with the Patriots.

“Didn’t go through because they gave me permission to talk to the San Francisco 49ers,” Smith said. “And at that time I did not want to go to the San Francisco 49ers. And then offseason came and you went on a visit to Baltimore three days before I went.”

Edelman said he never went to Baltimore after all because they signed Smith, opening up the door for him to return to the Patriots.

And with Edelman back with New England, the Patriots weren’t in need of another slot receiver, who at that time was nearing the end of his career. So, Smith jokingly blamed Edelman for him being unable to put on a Patriots uniform.

“So it’s your fault,” Smith said.