Panthers’ Smith ready for his return to Philadelphia

PHILADELPHIA >> In a lot of ways, it’s like Torrey Smith never left Philadelphia despite being traded to the Carolina Panthers.

Smith is reminded of his place in history each time he flies into the city, drives by Lincoln Financial Field or signs autographs for an Eagles fans.

“There’s only one way to look back on it, we were Super Bowl champions,” Smith said on a conference call Wednesday. “To be a part of a special team, a special unit is something I’ll never forget and something the city will never forget. For me, my family, my inlaws are still up there, I’m still in Philadelphia all the time. It’s pretty special to know that every time you pass the Linc or every time you come in contact with an Eagles fan out there how much it meant to be a small piece of that.

“Even to go to the airport, it’s like a constant reminder of the history and I was glad to be a small part of it with some great men.”

Smith hauled in 36 passes for 430 yards (11.9 yard average) with two touchdowns in the regular season, and 13 balls for 157 yards (12.1 average) and a score in the postseason.

After the season, the Eagles shipped him to the Panthers for Daryl Worley, who was supposed to replace Patrick Robinson at nickel corner. Worley was cut by the Eagles roughly one month later after being arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence as well as weapons and disorderly conduct charges. He was found sleeping in a car blocking an intersection near the Eagles’ complex.

Smith, who had a high salarycap number, said he wasn’t surprised to be dealt and that the Eagles “did a great job of communicating.”

“I knew I would be there or I would be traded,” Smith said. “It wasn’t really anything where I was blindsided, and I appreciate that.”

Smith has 12 catches for 110 yards and two TDs for the Panthers (3-2), who oppose the Eagles Sunday. He had a big fourth quarter last week, featuring a TD grab and a two-point conversion.