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NFL Free Agency Rumors: Buccaneers, Raiders to pursue signing Steve Smith

By Josh Hill

Jan 12, 2014; Charlotte, NC, USA; Carolina Panthers wide receiver Steve Smith (89) walks on to the field prior to the 2013 NFC divisional playoff football game at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 12, 2014; Charlotte, NC, USA; Carolina Panthers wide receiver Steve Smith (89) walks on to the field prior to the 2013 NFC divisional playoff football game at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jan 12, 2014; Charlotte, NC, USA; Carolina Panthers wide receiver Steve Smith (89) walks on to the field prior to the 2013 NFC divisional playoff football game at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 12, 2014; Charlotte, NC, USA; Carolina Panthers wide receiver Steve Smith (89) walks on to the field prior to the 2013 NFC divisional playoff football game at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports /

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Oakland Raiders met in the Super Bowl back in 2002 but they’ve seldom been mentioned together since then. That has begun to change as it appears they’re chasing the same soon-to-be free agent aid receive Steve Smith. With his release a virtual certainty, the Bucs and Raiders have joined the Baltimore Raven as teams interested in signing Smith.

The Buccaneers know Smith well, as he’s burned them numerous times in NFC South rivalry games. Adding Smith could be huge for opening up the Buccaneers offense and they have cap space to make it happen.

As for the Raiders, if they can add weapon like Smith, that might help save some jobs on offense as well as help whoever takes snaps next year improve. That could be a rookie or that could be a veteran but Smith is a game changer and he’s clearly valuable to teams not located in Carolina.

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