The Carolina Panthers gave wide receiver Steve Smith a three-year extension on Tuesday, the team announced just moments ago.

    At this point, it's unclear of how much the contract is worth, but will almost certainly bring Smith in line with the highest-paid receivers in the NFL. An extension for Smith had been anticipated, especially after middle of the road receivers like Drew Bennett signed contracts worth more than Smith was making this off-season.

   Smith had been under contract through 2009, so the new deal is believed to keep him a Panther through the 2012 season.