The Carolina Panthers and WR Steve Smith agreed on a three-year contract extension that will keep Smith in a Carolina uniform until the end of the 2012 season.

While official figures haven’t been released, I expect the numbers to be hefty. Smith was looking to be one of the highest paid wide receivers in the NFL.

Last season was really disappointing for Smith and fans. While he put up “decent” numbers, they weren’t what was expected—1,166 yards and 8 TDs. In 2005, Smith had 12 TDs over 1,563 yards.

The deal was a no-brainer for both sides. Smith loves Carolina—it’s his home—and the Panthers weren’t about to let a wide receiver of Smith’s talent level go anywhere else.

Carolina last made news by dumping WR Keyshawn Johnson. And why not? While Johnson still has some talent as a possession receiver, the Panthers have younger players ready to come up and a solid receiver in Smith to help guide them.