Smith's agent, Derrick Fox, declined to release contract figures, but told the Associated Press the new deal makes Smith among the five highest-paid receivers in the league.

   Smith, 28, had three years remaining on a six-year, $27 million contract and had been scheduled to make $3.l, $3.6 and $4.2 million over the next three seasons. He will now make significantly more, with a larger portion of money guaranteed over the first few years of the contract. The extension comes eight days after the Panthers released wide receiver Keyshawn Johnson, a move that helped the Panthers free up salary cap room to sign Smith.

   After becoming the first Carolina rookie ever to make the Pro Bowl in 2001, doing so as a returner, Smith emerged as a receiving threat in 2002 with 54 receptions for 872 yards and three touchdowns. He became a star in 2003, helping the Panthers reach the Super Bowl with 88 catches for 1,110 yards and seven touchdowns. In the playoffs that year, Smith caught a 69-yard touchdown in double overtime to beat the St. Louis Rams in the NFC Divisional Playoffs.

   After signing a six-year contract in March of 2004, Smith broke his leg in the season opener later that year and missed 15 games. He returned in 2005 and didn't miss a beat, catching a career-high 103 passes for 1,563 yards with 12 touchdowns, solidifying his position as one of the game's top receivers and earning a trip to the Pro Bowl for the first time as a receiver.

   Smith returned the Pro Bowl last year. Despite missed the first two games with a hamstring injury, he still finished with a team-high 83 catches for 1,166 yards and eight touchdowns.Smith's numbers in the postseason have been astounding.In seven playoff games with the Panthers, Smith has 45 catches for 739 yards and six touchdowns. He's also scored on a run and a punt return.