CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- The Steve Smith era in Carolina is over. The Panthers released their all-time leading receiver on Thursday after 13 seasons. Panthers general manager Dave Gettleman said it "was not an easy decision" in a press release. "Steve has been one of the NFLs finest receivers for over a decade and has been the face of the franchise for a large part of the teams history," Gettleman said. "As a team, we made a step forward last year; however we are also a team in transition, which is a part of the NFL." Smith said on radio Thursday hes not angry about the decision. "Its devastating to hear that you are getting fired, but its also exciting because that frees me up to be pursued by other teams," Smith told Taylor Zarzour of SiriusXMs Bleacher Report Radio." I have never become a free agent before so I will get a few free dinners out of it at some nice expensive restaurants. I want to enjoy the experience that, frankly, I will never experience again." Smith reiterated he wants to play in the NFL and that being released "awoke a sleeping giant" inside of him. The decision comes one day after Smiths agent, Derrick Fox, told The Associated Press that the 13-year NFL veteran "is not going to play for the Panthers next year, I know that." Fox said the Panthers never asked Smith, who turns 35 in May, to restructure his current contract. The Panthers were unable to trade Smith, who was set to cost $7 million under this years salary cap. The Panthers still owe Smith $3 million this season. The decision has not been a popular one among Carolina fans. Gettleman addressed that in his press release. "When I took this position I knew that difficult decisions would have to be made along the way," Gettleman said. "To move on from a storied veteran player is probably the most difficult of all. A decision not to be taken lightly. However, after much thought I feel very strongly its the right one." "As Ive stated many times, all decisions I make will be in the long-term best interest of the Carolina Panthers. Decisions, either popular or unpopular, have to be made for the greater good and it is imperative to take an unemotional global view. Sometimes it may appear that short term interests will suffer, and I can assure you we have no interest in taking a step back from our 2013 accomplishments." The Panthers also lost wide receivers Domenik Hixon and Ted Ginn Jr. to free agency on Thursday. Hixon signed with the Chicago Bears and Ginn with the Arizona Cardinals. Panthers cornerback Captain Munnerlyn told The Associated Press he has signed with the Minnesota Vikings for a deal that could pay him $15 million over three years with incentives. One possible replacement at wide receiver is free agent Hakeem Nicks, a Charlotte native who played for New York Giants. The Smith move marks the end of an era for the Panthers. Smith joined the team as a third-round draft pick out of Utah in 2001. He made an immediate impact in the NFL, returning the opening kickoff of the season for a touchdown against the Vikings. He became the first Panthers rookie selected to the Pro Bowl, earning that honour as a return specialist. Known for his feisty behaviour on the field, Smith became a dominant receiver over the next 12 seasons. He is Carolinas all-time leader with 75 total touchdowns and has 836 receptions for 12,197 yards. "On the football field Steve had a competitive arrogance that (was) second to none -- second to none," said former Panthers quarterback Jake Delhomme in a telephone interview. "That helped him be as good as he was. He made other guys step up their game. But off the field he was totally different. He loves his wife and his family. Hes a genuinely good person with a great heart." Panthers coach Ron Rivera said in the release: "He is a great competitor with Hall of Fame-worthy statistics and has made a great contribution to our community." Fox said Smith would have welcomed a chance to move inside to slot receiver, but the team never offered him that opportunity. As productive as Smith was, his fiery personality often rubbed people the wrong way, and some viewed him as a distraction in the locker room. Smith had run-ins with teammates on at least two occasions. He punched out fellow wide receiver Anthony Bright in a film room fight and later socked cornerback Ken Lucas on the field during a practice at training camp in Spartanburg, S.C. On both occasions, Smith was suspended by the team. Delhomme said that was a "humbling experience" for Smith, who apologized to Lucas and the teams fans after the incident. Despite the two incidents, Smith was immensely popular with the fan base, in large part due to his production on the field. He also worked hard to change his public image over the last several years and has been an active member of the Charlotte community. When asked if he was surprised Smith was released, Delhomme said, "It does surprise, but thats the NFL. I mean, look, Peyton Manning plays for the Denver Broncos -- that the way it goes." NOTES: Panthers backup quarterback Derek Anderson announced Thursday on Twitter he has re-signed with Carolina for a fourth season. Anderson tweeted: "Happy to be coming back to Charlotte next season!" Rashaan Evans Titans Jersey . TSN 1290s Jordan Cieciwa, Big Marv and Toby are here to give their predictions on who will leave with the belt and who will take some of the other key bouts on the card. Johny Hendricks vs. Harold Landry Titans Jersey . 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He sits there every night, he hears me cuss out the referees every night, Casey said, laughing.NEW YORK, N.Y. - Aaron Rodgers and the Green Bay Packers not only ended the New England Patriots seven-game winning streak, they also replaced them as the top team in the NFL.The Packers beat the Patriots 26-21 on Sunday in a matchup of two of the NFLs best.Chapter 1 of the long-awaited Aaron Rodgers-Tom Brady duel goes to Rodgers in a thriller at Lambeau, Newsdays Bob Glauber said.Cant help but think there could be a rematch Feb. 1 in Phoenix (at the Super Bowl).The Packers (9-3) received 11 of 12 first-place votes Tuesday in the AP Pro32 power rankings, which are decided by a media panel that regularly covers the league.Facing Aaron Rodgers at Lambeau just doesnt seem fair to opposing defences, Ira Kaufman of the Tampa Tribune said.The Patriots (9-3) got the other first-place vote. New England will look for its 10th win with another tough road game, facing the San Diego Chargers on Sunday night.Last Sundays close loss to Green Bay did nothing to hurt New Englands standing as the AFCs best team, Foxsports.coms Alex Marvez said.The Chargers (8-4) jumped from No. 17 to 11 after rallying past the Baltimore Ravens 34-33 on Sunday.A huge win over Baltimore keeps San Diego in the playoff conversation, ESPNs Herm Edwards said.The Denver Broncos (9-3) stayed at No. 3 after beating the Kansas City Chiefs 29-16 on Sunday night.Broncos showing balance on offence; solid defence, Fox Sports John Czarnecki said.The Philadelphia Eagles (9-3) and the Seattle Seeahawks (8-4) moved to Nos.dddddddddddd 4 and 5.The Seahawks climbed from No. 7 after their 19-3 win over the San Francisco 49ers on Thanksgiving.Impressive vs. SF, but tough December schedule, NBC Sports Tony Dungy said.The Indianapolis Colts (8-4), Arizona Cardinals (9-3), Detroit Lions (8-4), Cincinnati Bengals (8-3-1) and Dallas Cowboys (8-4) rounded out the top 10.The Cardinals have dropped two straight, and their lead in the NFC West has been cut to a game.The Cardinals have scored one offensive touchdown during their current two-game losing streak, said Rick Gosselin of The Dallas Morning News.The Eagles beat the Cowboys 33-10 on Thanksgiving to grab first place in the NFC East. The teams play again Dec. 14.Mark Sanchezs running, including once for a touchdown, helped open up lanes for LeSean McCoy, said Jenny Vrentas of The Monday Morning Quarterback. Stealing a road win against the Cowboys was a big step toward winning the NFC East.The Cowboys dropped from fifth to No. 10 after the loss.The Cowboys defence that played on Thanksgiving looked a lot more like the one we expected to see this season, Vrentas said. Their roster is depleted on that side of the ball, and it may be catching up to them.The Oakland Raiders (1-11) dropped back to No. 32 after being routed 52-0 by the St. Louis Rams.Thats no way to celebrate your first victory of the season, Kaufman said.___AP NFL websites: www.pro32.ap.org and www.twitter.com/AP_NFLWholesale HoodiesNFL Shirts OutletJerseys NFL WholesaleCheap NFL Jerseys Free ShippingWholesale Jerseys CheapCheap NFL Jerseys ChinaWholesale JerseysWholesale NFL JerseysCheap NFL Jerseys ChinaCheap NFL Jerseys ' ' '