Panthers lay down the gauntlet to Shi Smith after free-agent moves

Two notable moves in free agency could indicate the Carolina Panthers laying down the gauntlet to second-year wide receiver Shi Smith this offseason.

It’s been an encouraging start to the free agency period so far for the Carolina Panthers. Some key positions have been filled and depth acquired in skill positions, which should put the organization in good stead ahead of what promises to be a make-or-break 2022 campaign for head coach Matt Rhule.

One of the areas that have taken primary focus during the early stages of recruitment is the wide receiver position. Rashard Higgins was signed on a team-friendly deal from the Cleveland Browns and the Panthers also made a smart move by extending Brandon Zylstra to a one-year extension after proving his dependability when called upon during the previous campaign.

This leaves the Panthers with an abundance of weapons at their disposal. Higgins and Zylstra only strengthen the depth chart and one roster member that should be nervously looking over his shoulder is Shi Smith, a sixth-round pick in 2021 who was a relative afterthought during his rookie year.

Smith came into the league with some exciting traits after a standout college career with South Carolina. Considering the problems others outside of D.J. Moore were suffering from, it was a surprise to see the coaching staff not involve the player more and especially as there was almost nothing to play for down the stretch other than pride.

Shi Smith has to carve out a prominent role with the Carolina Panthers

This lays the gauntlet down to Smith, who has the skills to be effective on the field and in the kick return game if the Panthers show enough. General manager Scott Fitterer stated at the NFL Scouting Combine that they need to find a role for the player, but that’s unlikely to be as part of the offensive gameplan in 2022 unless something drastic changes.

"“Shi, every day in practice he made a great catch, did a lot of different things. We just need to have him to find a spot on special teams. Whether its the punt returner, as a gunner…that’s how he’s going to address consistently and then he can be that fourth receiver and help us throughout the season but I’m excited about the future.”"

The NFL is full of daily challenges like this. No player unless truly elite is guaranteed a roster spot, with a new batch of college recruits arriving every year to stake their own claims and carve out successful careers for themselves.

Carolina got some nice pickups in the mid-to-late rounds last year. Smith does fall into this category as it stands, but there is much work to be done and increasing pressure to do so with Zylstra coming back and Higgins joining the ranks.

Judging by Smith’s overall character, he is unlikely to shirk away from such a challenge. A mindset that should serve him well when OTAs and training camp rolls around.

The talent is undeniably there. As Fitterer stated, the Panthers have seen it plenty on the practice field and he was one of the real stars that emerged from 2021 camp.

However, transitioning this to the field or the coaching staff having confidence he can accomplish this consistently is the big stumbling block. If Smith can do it, then all hope is not lost just yet despite the presence of Zylstra and Higgins – two veterans with proven production when it matters most.