Steve Smith says his age isn't an issue

Too old. Too expensive.

Clearly this is what the Carolina Panthers believe about Steve Smith, a 13-year veteran whom has played his entire career for the franchise. Earlier today, the Smith era ended in Charlotte as he was released after the Panthers failed shopping Smith to the rest of the league via trade.

Rightfully so, Smith is frustrated by the situation and even before the ink could fully dry on his pink slip, he took to the Charlotte radio airwaves for the second day in a row to voice his thoughts.

Quotes via PFT:

"I want to make sure that whatever team I go to, they're going to get the best, in shape 35-year-old guy they can get," Smith said, clearly pointing to his age being a factor in his release.

Throughout the majority of his career, Smith has been durable. Aside from suffering a broken leg during the 2004 season-opener against the Packers, Smith has played a minimum of 14 games each season.

Smith has received plenty of attention in Baltimore as it has been reported by many media outlets that the Ravens are the favorites to land the veteran. The team won't officially reach out until the transaction becomes official at 4 p.m., but are expected to do so according to the Baltimore Sun's Aaron Wilson.

Aside from a pocket passing quarterback and an offense he could flourish in, Baltimore also has a special carrot they can dangle to Smith — the Ravens play Panthers in 2014.

To Smith, it seems like revenge is on his mind.

"If that happens to run through Bank of America Stadium, put your goggles on cause there's going to be blood and guts everywhere," Smith said.

Even though the game will be in Baltimore, Smith surely seems to want an opportunity to prove his former employer that they made a major mistake. For now, Smith said he's going to have a "cup of coffee and relax," but his phone will certainly be ringing soon.

Four and a half hours seems like enough time to enjoy a cup of coffee, right? Don't expect Smith to be on the market for long.