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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.