SAMMY IS GONE NO MATTER WHAT HE DOES !!
#1- the chances of sammy playing all 16 games is slim. the chances he gets a pro bowl nod are slimmer.
#2 - talent alone, exercising the 5th year option was a no brainer.
#3 - look at the Carolina Panthers current Salary Cap. the highest paid WR counts $2.5 mil against the cap.
http://www.spotrac.c...a-panthers/cap/
I love Sammy, he's a stud, but I don't think McD/Beane will commit franchise tag dollars to the WR position.
I also suspect Sammy's medicals, which are confidential, say his foot is not right and may need further rest and/or surgery, which to me, is the only reason for not exercising the 5th year option.