Carolina Panthers fan favorite Steve Smith is weighing in on Devin Funchess and his future with the team. Funchess needed a big season this year. His contract is up. Not only is he auditioning for a big time contract in Carolina, but auditioning for other teams as well. So far, it hasn’t gone so well. There is real doubt that the Carolina Panthers should Pay Devin Funchess big money to retain his services. Smith weighed in on the matter recently on local Charlotte sports radio WFNZ.
“Look: Everybody knows who I like: I love D.J.,” said Steve Smith. “And when you look at this offense, I kind of believe they’re a better offense without Devin Funchess because you get some of those younger guys who get separation.”
“You know what that is? Separation from the defender when he catches the ball,” Smith added. “Now, I know I went to Los Angeles Unified School District and that’s public school, but 4.2 and 2.2 is different. That’s why you get guys like D.J. Moore who catches seven for 157. Devin Funchess ain’t getting seven for 157. Anything close to it.”
According to the stats website Pro Football Focus DJ Moore gets 4.2 yards of separation while Devin Funchess gets 2.2. This highlights an issue the Carolina Panthers have had at the receiver position for many seasons. Guys were just not getting open.
At this point, Smith is probably right. DJ Moore and second year receiver Curtis Samuel look like the future of the franchise. Add in Christian McCaffrey and there is enough young talent on the team for Cam Newton to target, no Funchess needed.Agree? Disagree? You can sound off right here with thousands of Carolina Panthers fans.