

Jason Smith NFL.com

Lions must add a weapon; Panthers' Smith a possibility

If the Detroit Lions don't do something to boost their passing game, they'll be dead in the water and incapable of making a playoff push. Tight end Brandon Pettigrew can't be trusted, and neither can Titus Young, unless he's catching a Hail Mary pass. But there are a couple players who can help the Lions.

I'd make two phone calls. The first one would be to the Carolina Panthers. Things are coming apart at the seams for the Panthers, who are going to need new blood to build around Cam Newton. So I'd offer up a third-round pick for veteran receiver Steve Smith; he can come in and be effective enough underneath to keep defenses from triple-teaming Calvin Johnson. Smith can also stretch the field, potentially making Detroit's offense incredibly tough to stop. As a complementary receiver, Smith would probably have another good year or so to play at his current level, and he'd likely be re-energized by joining a high-powered team.