10 Carolina Panthers starters who may not return in 2019

CHARLOTTE, NC - NOVEMBER 04: Greg Olsen #88 of the Carolina Panthers celebrates with Ryan Kalil #67 after scoring a touchdown against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the first half of their game at Bank of America Stadium on November 4, 2018 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images) /

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LANDOVER, MD – OCTOBER 14: Wide receiver Torrey Smith #11 of the Carolina Panthers celebrates his touchdown after a pass reception in the fourth quarter against the Washington Redskins at FedExField on October 14, 2018 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Will Newton/Getty Images) /

Torrey Smith, WR

Veteran wide receiver Torrey Smith joined Carolina prior to the season via trade from the Philadelphia Eagles. He earned a starting position but was sidelined with a knee injury just as he was beginning to produce for the Panthers.

Smith will be 30 years old when the 2019 season arrives and has another year on his deal with Carolina but after seeing the development of younger receivers D.J. Moore and Curtis Samuel, he could opt for retirement.

However, if the Panthers part ways with Funchess, it may open the door for a return. Smith could continue helping mentor the younger group of receivers while still being productive and offering a veteran presence for Newton to work with on the field.

Probability of a return, 85%

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