UPDATE: Not if the Chargers can help it. The San Diego Union-Tribune reported that the Chargers are “monitoring” the situation. Carolina was reportedly shopping Smith before the March 11 lockout — and when the lockout ends, the Panthers will be able to trade him. Since Smith’s contract calls for $15 million over the next two seasons, the Chargers would need Smith to re-do his deal before any trade can happen.

Football News Now is reporting that Panthers receiver Steve Smith wants to be traded to either the Oakland Raiders or the San Diego Chargers. Carolina may be forced to trade him because the veteran has reportedly cleared out his locker and residence.

Smith, 32, told a league source that “he does not want to spend another year rebuilding at his age.” He is from Lynwood, Calif. and wants to return to the West Coast.

Smith has played all nine seasons for the Panthers and has 8,884 receiving yards and 52 touchdowns. He had 1,421 yards and six touchdowns in 2008, but has had a hard time shining lately as Carolina quarterbacks have struggled. Smith has 1,436 yards the last two seasons combined — an average of 718 yards that would still be the best for a Raiders receiver since Randy Moss had 1,005 in 2005.

The Panthers can’t even begin talks about a trade with other teams until the lockout is lifted. Carolina would want a decent draft pick or picks in return, but there is a sense in Charlotte that owner Jerry Richardson will move Smith. He felt the receiver walked all over former coach John Fox and wants to give new coach Ron Rivera as clean a slate as possible.

For all the offseason talk of Chad Ochocinco, I think Smith is a much more attractive option. I also know that Al Davis really likes his receiving corps, but just maybe if he really thinks the Raiders are close to becoming a playoff team, he pulls the trigger.