Any team that needs a receiver will be unable to pry loose Carolina Panthers wideout Steve Smith despite speculation he could be on the block before Tuesday's NFL trade deadline.
A source familiar with the situation said the Panthers will not trade Smith under any circumstance.
One team that already has called Carolina to inquire about Smith's availability already has been given the same message.
Smith is close with Panthers owner Jerry Richardson and even though the Panthers have yet to win a game, they will not be in the business of auctioning off their accomplished veterans for future draft picks.
The Panthers will not trade Smith, they will not trade running back DeAngelo Williams, and they are expected to be quiet before and at the NFL trade deadline.
Adam Schefter is ESPN's NFL Insider.